Year in Review - aaptc.asia€¦ · UNAMID organizes disarmament, demobilization and reintegra-tion outreach activities. North Darfur, Sudan, 25 July 2011. (UN Photo/Albert Gonzalez

Year in Review

United Nations Peace Operations 2011

The 2011 UN Peace Operations Year in Review

pays tribute to those staff who lost their lives serving

the United Nations

Our best tribute to them… is to continue the life-saving and life-enhancing work for which they gave their lives.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon21 November 2011

Memorial service at UN Headquarters in New York

Table of contentsIntroduction: Remarkable butchallenging year..................................02

Interview: Hervé Ladsous, DPKO USG......04

Interview: Susana Malcorra, DFS USG.....07

Interview: B. Lynn Pascoe, DPA USG.......10

Preventive diplomacy..........................13

Electoral support................................15

UNMISS: The newest country on earth.....17

UNOCI: Conquering the odds..................19

UNMIL: A fragile democracy holds election.....................................21

MONUSCO: Promoting peace and reconciliation.................................23

UNIOGBIS: Building capacity to promote dialogue.................................25

UNAMID: Driving peace efforts in Darfur....28

Photo spread: Local staff of UNAMID.....30

MINURSO: Guarding lives.......................35

UNOAU: Partnering with the African Union....................................37

UNOWA: Mobilizing regional efforts for stability.........................................39

UNPOS: Cause for hope.........................40

BNUB: Making progress on the path to peace......................................42

BINUCA: Assisting in national reconciliation......................................44

UNOCA: Battling the Lord’s Resistance Army...................................46

UNSCO: Political logjam in a changing region.............................48

UNSCOL: Calming a volatile environment....50

UNIFIL: Simple instructions save lives.....52

UNDOF: Thirty-seven years of engagement...54

UNTSO: A stabilizing presence................55

UNAMI: At a crossroads: Challenges and opportunities................................56

UNSMIL: Building a new country............58

UNMIT: Planning the withdrawal............60

UNAMA: Successes and challenges in a year of transition..............................62

UNRCCA: Implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy....................65

MINUSTAH: Rising from the rubble..........67

UNFICYP: “Peacing” the island together...69

UNMIK: A new, multi-ethnic government in place............................71

UN peacekeeping operations: breakdown by categories of staff..............73

Gender statistics: ratio of women inUN peacekeeping operations...................73

United Nations peacekeeping operations...74

United Nations political andpeacebuilding missions..........................76

List of peacekeeping operations, 1948–2011.......................................78

Contributors to peacekeeping..................80

Top 10 contributors of uniformedpersonnel...............................................81

Surge in uniformed UN peacekeeping personnel from 1991–2011......................81

Top 10 providers of assessed financial contributions......................................81

Peace operations facts and figures

Cover photo: A woman collects millet near the Zam Zam IDP Camp under the protection of UN Jordanian peacekeepers. El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan. (UN Photo/Albert Gonzalez Farran)

Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas salutes as Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro’s helicopter departs after her visit to UNIFIL. Southern Lebanon, 24 November 2011. (UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz)

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U n i t e d N a t i o n s P e a c e O p e ra t i o n s

Remarkable but challenging year In 2011, over two dozen United Nations peacekeeping and spe-cial political missions worked to provide security and stability, facilitate political processes, protect civilians, help refugees return, support elections, de-mobilize and reintegrate former combatants, and promote hu-man rights and the rule of law.

The UN was called upon to take on tasks as varied as providing logistical support to the January referendum in Sudan and conse-quentially closing the UN Mission there; setting up and deploying new missions in South Sudan, Abyei and Libya; continuing to contribute to the reduction in

the level of insecurity in Dar-fur; supporting presidential and legislative elections in countries such as Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire and helping them to consolidate the gains achieved so far; pro-ceeding with its peacekeeping and peacemaking work in the Middle East and Cyprus; and pre-paring to wind down the mission in Timor-Leste and downsize missions, such as Haiti. Further, as the political actors in Somalia agreed on a roadmap for com-pleting the transitional period, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid a surprise visit to Mogadi-shu to bolster the peace process and urge the parties to move the roadmap forward.

But 2011 was far from smooth sailing. The United Nations had to deal with the violent after-math of the contested presi-dential election in Côte d’Ivoire earlier in the year. The situation in the newly independent South Sudan continued to be a mat-ter of grave concern because of inter-tribal clashes, not to men-tion the lack of effective politi-cal and governance institutions, and there were questions raised about the credibility of the elec-tions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) towards the end of the year. Some missions continued to face “shortages of critical capacities”, including helicopters. Having this capac-

IntroductionSecretary-General Ban Ki-m

oon and General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser

(centre) visiting the facilities shared by the UN and the African Union Mission in Som

alia (AM

ISOM) in Som

ali capital, Mogadishu. 9 Decem

ber 2011. (UN Photo/Mark Garten)

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Ye a r i n R ev i e w 2 0 1 1

ity was of utmost importance in protecting civilians and ensur-ing the safety and security of UN personnel, a senior UN of-ficial told Member States at a meeting in October 2011.

In December, the Secretary-Gen-eral issued his second progress report on the New Horizon ini-tiative launched in July 2009. This process aims at assessing the major policy and strategy dilemmas facing UN peacekeep-ing today and over the coming years. It also seeks to reinvigo-rate the ongoing dialogue with Member States and other stake-holders on possible solutions to better calibrate UN peacekeep-ing to meet current and future requirements.

Also in 2011, the Secretary-General released a major report on preventive diplomacy. It highlighted the recent strides made using preventive diplo-macy and mediation as a cost-

effective tool in dealing with crisis and set out the agenda for the next five years. As Sec-retary-General Ban noted, “Our new emphasis on preventive diplomacy and mediation has produced encouraging results — in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Kyr-gyzstan, Cyprus and Nepal”.

Once again in 2011, cases of sexual exploitation and abuse against a few peacekeepers underscored the challenge in implementing the UN’s zero tolerance policy. As Under-Sec-retary-General for Field Support Susana Malcorra noted, “No-where is our commitment to our core values more visibly dem-onstrated, and tested, than in the exercise of the fundamental duty of care that all peacekeep-ing personnel (uniformed and civilian) owe to the local popu-lation that they serve and pro-tect […] This exemplary record continues to be clouded by se-rious acts of misconduct by a

few individuals including inex-cusable acts of sexual exploita-tion and abuse that continue at an unacceptable rate”. While the UN Secretariat followed the cases where civilian staff were involved, it reached out to troop-contributing countries to ensure that allegations were addressed promptly by their re-spective authorities.

Peacekeeping is a dangerous undertaking. Tragically, 113 UN staff, both uniformed and ci-vilian, lost their lives in 2011 while serving the United Na-tions in the field. They were serving in difficult and treach-erous parts of the world, as far apart as Afghanistan and Côte d’Ivoire, DRC and Haiti, Lebanon and Sudan, Cyprus and Liberia. In the words of Sec-retary-General Ban Ki-moon: “Our best tribute to them…is to continue the life-saving and life-enhancing work for which they gave their lives”.

UNAM

ID organizes disarmam

ent, demobilization and reintegra-

tion outreach activities. North Darfur, Sudan, 25 July 2011. (U

N Photo/Albert Gonzalez Farran)

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Standing ready to face any situationHervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General Department of Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous has headed Peacekeeping Operations since 3 October 2011. With ex-tensive diplomatic experience, he is recognized by his peers in all parts of the world for his capacity to build consensus. Mr. Ladsous is known for his acute political judge-ment, strong crisis-management skills and a profound understanding of the challenges facing the United Nations.

Heading United Nations peacekeeping for nearly three months, you’ve visited Sudan, South Sudan and Afghanistan. What are your early impres-sions of UN peacekeeping?

I see peacekeeping within a continuum at the United Na-tions from when I served here in a national capacity in the mid-1990s. I also appreciate its in-credible growth, both in size and in the varied multi-dimension-ality of the missions. Of course, this presents even greater chal-lenges. I am not surprised, but am impressed by the devotion of the people serving in the mis-sions and in Headquarters. Their devotion to United Nations ide-als, their desire to make a dif-ference and their commitment to achieve the Security Council and Secretary-General’s goals is heart-warming.

As 2011 draws to a close, UN peacekeeping has faced vary-ing challenges. What would you consider to be some of 2011’s major achievements?

The successful operation in Côte d’Ivoire in ensuring the Novem-ber 2010 presidential election results were upheld, in spite of being trampled on by politi-cians, and then several difficult months where the rule of law and the principles of democracy were eventually fully implemented were both accomplishments. I take heart from the recent leg-islative elections, which went well, with minimal violence, and confirm that Côte d’Ivoire is back on the road to democracy.

Other elections were also chal-lenging. Some, such as Liberia in November, went well. The Democratic Republic of the Congo at the end of November was more complicated. It is too early to pass final judgment. These are important events where the United Nations can help to implement democratic principles, providing advice or logistical support. In the case of Côte d’Ivoire, we provided certification of the process, and worked with other international community observers.

Another challenge was the ref-erendum in Sudan, which re-sulted in the birth of the 193rd Member State, South Sudan. This was accompanied by UN-MISS, a new mission where we are helping with state-building and development. I think it is quite remarkable.

Also, as impressive was the first United Nations deployment in Abyei, the area that is contested between both Sudans. After a bout of terrible violence in May, under very difficult circumstanc-es the mission was created and deployed with incredible speed. I was very impressed when I arrived to see what had been achieved in such a short time.

Interview

I am not surprised, but impressed by the devotion of the people serving in the missions and in Headquarters.

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These few examples speak vol-umes about the quality of our engagement.

Tragically in 2011, UN peace-keepers lost their lives in the attack in Mazar-i-Sharif, in a plane crash in the Democrat-ic Republic of the Congo, by stray bullets in Côte d’Ivoire and other accidents. Can you tell us about staff security and what peacekeeping is do-ing to protect its staff?

I am painfully aware that 111 UN staff serving in peace mis-sions this year [2011] have paid with their lives. That is incred-ibly sad and I feel very deeply for their families and relatives.

We owe it to our blue helmets, wherever they serve, in whatever capacity, to give them the best security we can provide. I am completely aware that no secu-rity is 100 per cent perfect, but at least we must put the best chances on their side and that is something I will not be lenient on. We cannot, we must not get security on the cheap. We will do our best to make sure that they get the best equipment and use the best procedures.

You spoke before about the referendum in Sudan, the fu-ture of South Sudan, and the rapid formation of UNISFA. Together these represent a major contribution for UN peacekeeping in 2011. What do you see to be the major actions that South Sudan and Sudan need to take to ensure that there is regional stability there?

It appears that Sudan and South Sudan have decided to undergo a divorce but have left aside a number of unsettled is-sues. The major question is how they can live side by side as neighbours without a degree of trust and confidence between them. They have yet to solve the issue of borders and demar-cation, particularly in the area of Abyei, which is deeply con-tested between the two. They have not decided how to share the oil revenue from the oil fields that are mainly located in the south, which entails a

substantial financial loss for Khartoum. Nor have they for-saken mutual accusations of support for rebellions on the other state’s territory.

This means that there have been a number of incidents. To help solve these issues, Special En-voy Haile Menkerios is support-ing the work of former President Thabo Mbeki and the African High-level Implementation Pan-el for the two States to discuss and identify solutions to these very pregnant issues.

Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. (UN Photo/JC McIlw

aine)

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From your very first days in office, you began describing peacekeeping as a global part-nership. As we look towards 2012, who do you see as key partners for UN peacekeeping?

The obvious partners are those countries sitting on the Secu-rity Council who give us our mandates, others that volun-teer soldiers, policemen and civilian employees, as well as those countries that pay for the peacekeeping budget. Fre-quently, these groups are not the same, which will be the subject of an important de-bate in the first part of 2012 under the auspices of the high-level advisory group. Then the partnerships open up further. I look at the state of coopera-tion with the African Union for instance, because about two-thirds of our operations are in Africa. NATO, the European Union and the Organization of American States are all organi-

zations with a stake, and some elements of responsibility in maintaining peace, stability and security. It is, therefore, logical that although the Unit-ed Nations, under the Charter, retains the primary responsibil-ity, other organizations share the charge and can contribute ideas, people and equipment. It is evident that we must do all we can to step up this part-nership with them.

To close off, while you can’t predict everything in terms of demands on peacekeeping, what are some of the main challenges you would signal going into 2012?

Since we never know what is going to happen tomorrow, I think we have to stand ready to face any situation, including the unexpected, as recent years have proven. There is also the anticipated. As I spoke before about our work in the Sudans,

we also have to continue fol-lowing the situation in Demo-cratic Republic of the Congo. I expect to go there quite early in 2012. We have several review exercises that have already been launched, such as review-ing the tasks mandated to us in Afghanistan and the strategic review in Lebanon’s UNIFIL. Of course we must keep actively supporting the various tasks under way in Haiti. In 2012, Timor Leste will celebrate its tenth anniversary of indepen-dence and UNMIT will close its operation. We must do this in a prudent way, not leaving the country to fend for itself, but retaining some international presence, not peacekeeping, but something else to help continue the various processes. There will be plenty to do, no doubt, and I look forward to an interesting year, though I guess no year has ever been uninter-esting in DPKO.

USG Hervé Ladsous is welcom

ed by residents of Shangil Tobaya vil-lage. UNAM

ID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gam

bari is beside him

. Darfur, Sudan, 30 October 2011. (UN Photo/Olivier Chassot)

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Building on the Global Strategy Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General Department of Field SupportSusana Malcorra formally took up her duties overseeing United Nations field-based peace operations world-wide on 4 May 2008. Ms. Malcorra’s extensive experience in both the public and private sector has fortified her with the expertise necessary to support 33 field operations comprising over 120,000 military, police and civilian personnel.

You are in charge of setting up and supporting UN peace operations around the world. Have you noticed in 2011 changes in terms of peace-keeping deployment or types of support needed?

In 2009 and 2010, there was a sense that peacekeeping may decline, but 2011 brought some interesting developments. First, the Sudan referendum led to a new country and a new peace-keeping mission. While we had to wind down and close UNMIS in Sudan, we launched UNMISS in South Sudan, bringing a set of new challenges and things to do.

Simultaneously, the Security Council established a new mis-sion in Abyei, leaving us man-aging four missions in two countries: one in liquidation, two start-ups and one estab-lished mission in Darfur.

The developments in the Arab world brought another set of challenges. While some have been managed by traditional country teams, Libya added an-other new start-up mission that has yet to be fully configured.

With the Global Service Centre in Brindisi, we have been able to support the mission based on the Global Field Support Strategy. This has given us the opportu-nity to test ideas that have been

discussed with Member States as part of a long-term strategy.

We are also under pressure for the numerous electoral process-es being undertaken throughout

Interview

Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support. (UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe)

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our missions. Additionally, So-malia, which we serve through and to the African Union, has become increasingly larger as the situation on the ground continues to shift.

2011 has seen a continuation of the global financial crisis. How does this affect UN peace-keeping and Member States’ expectations? What is DFS do-ing to meet these challenges?

While 2011 brought more clarity on the global financial situation, it is my sense that we still have a lot to see. Some Member States are facing only the early stages of the crisis, and much work needs to be done still amongst Member States before it trickles down to the United Nations.

I think Member States view the United Nations and peacekeep-ing as more and more at the centre. Many political decisions support this, such as our en-gagement in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Africa, in general.

The UN is at the centre of peace and security for the interna-tional community. The peace-keeping budget discussions this past year revealed the focused demand for us to be not only effective but also efficient. In this coming budget cycle we will build on the baseline of the Global Field Support Strategy, of managing globally, and assure Member States that we deliver our mandates with the most reasonable level of resources.

What are the main achieve-ments of the Global Field Sup-port Strategy in 2011? What

do you see as the priorities for this strategy in 2012?

GFSS was approved in June 2010. We are now one and a half year into the five-year strategy. While we cannot expect every-thing to have already come to fruition, there are quite a few developments to highlight, such as the regional service centre in Entebbe. The missions’ owner-ship of this service centre has proven this is a better way to manage resources for back-of-fice activities, including human resources, finance and budgets. Another good example of better service at a lower cost is what has been done with the regional air service.

We have shown the notion of the 200-men camp, the basic module for the modularization pillar, and that has captured the interest of Member States. In November, we were able to pres-ent to them a five-year plan for modularization. This is another important development.

In June, Member States ap-proved the concept of a global service centre, which is now in our budget. We are determining the functions to be transferred from New York Headquarters to centres in Brindisi and Valencia. This is part of the shifting of Headquarters from being opera-tional to being more strategic, and moving operations closer to

the missions, via the global ser-vice centre.

The Secretary-General is pur-suing progress on the issue of climate change and sus-tainable development. What is DFS doing to improve the performance of peacekeeping operations in terms of their impact on the environment?

The carbon footprint of peace-keeping is huge and we are one of the largest polluters in the UN. One of the drivers of the GFSS is to be respectful of the environment by providing our services in a cleaner way. Modularization includes water treatment plants, a better way to manage waste, the notion of lowering fuel dependence and harnessing sunlight. We are also working on air services. While our fleet is not yet up to the required level, we are en-gaged with Member States and suppliers to evolve our business model within our existing re-sources and capacities.

Even though statistics show reductions in reported cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers, they continue. What is the UN doing to further reduce this?

Although statistics show a de-cline, they also reveal that the most extreme cases haven’t gone down, including those involving minors. We remain concerned and sustain our en-gagement with Member States. As the General Assembly put the onus on them to close the loop when cases are brought to our attention, we keep pushing on

We deliver our mandates with the most reasonable level of resources.

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that. We also press for training, pre-deployment awareness and every aspect of prevention to keep the pressure on.

One case is one case too many. It can affect the power balance between a peacekeeper, uni-formed or otherwise, and the local population. It can alter the entire mission’s relationship with the people it serves.

We have just conducted an in-ternal workshop with colleagues from both DPKO and DFS, to brainstorm on how to move this agenda further. We keep this is-sue at the top of our priorities, knowing we have done a lot, but we still have a long way to go.

What is DFS doing to harness new technology to address the challenges of 21st century peacekeeping? For example, you have championed a proj-ect using mobile telephones to protect civilians. Can you tell us more?

While we have done much with technology, there is still space to explore new options. On the protection of civilians, we need to be able to deploy infantry battalions rapidly and to estab-lish exactly what and where the threats are. We are working on early warning systems in east-ern DRC where we have had a lot of issues with the protection of civilians. We have established a network with cellular and satel-lite phones whereby villagers can connect and send alerts to the right place. This allows for a rapid early reaction so that we can prevent a violation instead of reacting to one. I think there is a huge opportunity there. Pro-tecting civilians is one side of the coin, the other side is to pro-tect our peacekeepers, who have seen much violence. It is work in progress where, with better use of technology, we can be more effective and efficient.

Earlier in the year you began to liquidate UNMIS. UNMIT

may close in 2012, following presidential and parliamen-tary elections. Is it as hard to draw down a mission as it is to start one?

We are mentally better prepared to construct and to build, so closing, or “liquidating” a mis-sion is tough. It is a different part of the mission cycle that creates tensions and can be difficult to manage well. More recently, we have been using people who have specialised in closing missions, as in Chad, and now Sudan. As custodians of the resources given to us by the Members States, we need to properly close books and transfer assets. Another challenge is the planning aspect. Closing a mis-sion might be unexpected and unplanned with a lot of issues remaining open; or like in Timor-Leste where the United Nations can plan ahead for our depar-ture and ensure we leave behind something meaningful, so we are working on capacity-building.

USG Susana Malcorra, is greeted by UN honour guard as she arrives

at UNAMID headquarters. El Fasher, Sudan, 30 Novem

ber 2011. (UN Photo/Albert Gonzalez Farran)

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The Arab Awakening and the UN political responseB. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General Department of Political AffairsB. Lynn Pascoe has served as Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs through-out the first term of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, spearheading efforts on the UN chief’s behalf to sharpen the use of instruments such as preventive diplomacy and mediation to respond to crises around the globe. These capabilities were sorely tested again in 2011 across a range of global hotspots, including especially the Middle East and North Africa.

In an interview with Year in Review, Mr. Pascoe described the UN’s political response to the dramatic upheavals that are still playing out across the Arab world. This has ranged from the outspoken messaging of the Secretary-General to the dispatch of envoys, mediation and electoral experts to various countries requesting UN assis-tance, to close cooperation with regional organizations, and the deployment in Libya of the UN’s newest political mission.

This year brought historic change to the Middle East with the Arab Spring move-ment spilling over from coun-try to country, shaking or even dismantling established structures. How has the Unit-ed Nations responded?

Most importantly, the Secretary-General decided from the outset of the Arab Spring that the UN should be on the side of the people and the side of mod-

InterviewB. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. (UN Photo/M

ark Garten)

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ernization. The old notion that somehow the Middle East was an exception, that it was not cut out for democracy, had always been a foolish one. The UN, therefore, supported the aspira-tions of peaceful protesters and their calls for reform throughout the region, starting with Tuni-sia, followed by Egypt and then Libya. In countries like Bahrain, Yemen and Syria, the Secretary-General has repeatedly called on leaders to respect human rights and to respond peacefully to the legitimate aspirations of their people for change.

How did the United Nations re-act specifically to the different challenges in these countries?

The UN’s response has varied according to the unique circum-stances in each country. In Tu-nisia, for example, the UN was deeply involved in the prepara-tions of the October elections. The Department of Political Affairs (DPA) worked with the United Nations Development Programme to deploy elector-al experts to Tunis, providing first-hand assistance to the na-tional election authorities. This was a Tunisian-led process that worked very well and led to suc-cessful parliamentary elections in October. The enthusiasm of the Tunisian people in express-ing their will through the ballot box was an inspiration to the whole region, and particularly Egypt, where the UN has also provided electoral assistance.

Libya posed a more complex challenge. What would you highlight there?

First, there was an immediate need to alleviate the suffering of the refugees fleeing from the zones of combat to the Tunisian and Egyptian border. Second, the Security Council clearly ex-pressed the need to maintain a mediation effort to see whether an agreement between the op-position and Qadhafi could be achieved. The Secretary-General appointed a high-ranking diplo-mat, former Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib, to lead this effort, with sub-stantive and logistical support from DPA. At the same time, the Secretary-General tasked DPA with planning for the post-con-flict situation in Libya, whether mediated or following the fall of Mr. Qadhafi. The process, led by the Special Adviser for post-conflict planning, Ian Mar-tin, moved forward rapidly and brought together the whole UN system. As Tripoli fell and the Security Council decided in Sep-tember to establish the UN Sup-port Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) – a political mission – Mr. Mar-tin, the new mission’s head, was already on the ground in Tripoli with an advance team and with a very clear idea of what kind of support the transitional author-ities in Libya would request in order to best help their people.

Why the decision to establish UNSMIL as a political mission as opposed to a peacekeeping mission?

A mission has to fit the needs of the country and its people. We talked with the Libyans about whether they would need some kind of stabilization force after

the conflict, but they made it very clear that they would be in charge on the security side and they have managed it quite well. Where they wanted help from the UN was with the coordination of international assistance, and with expertise on issues such as elections, governance, constitu-tion-making, the control of arms, and on the formation of a pro-fessional police force and army. Qadhafi had basically eliminated institutions. For all of these rea-sons, a political mission was the logical choice.

In Syria, clashes between the security forces and protesters have already killed thousands. Will we see a similar role for the UN?

We have to be flexible and adapt our response to the needs of each particular situation.

On Syria, it is no secret that the Security Council has been divid-ed, and this has limited its range of action. At the same time, the Secretary-General has spoken out repeatedly for an end to the violence and for genuine demo-cratic reforms. He has been in constant contact with the Sec-retary-General of the League of Arab States, offering support to the League’s efforts to stop the bloodshed and resolve the crisis

The UN’s response has varied according to the unique circumstances in each country.

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in Syria. We have also worked in close cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and welcomed the estab-lishment of the International Independent Commission of Inquiry, which was not allowed in the country but produced a very strong report based on in-terviews with refugees. The UN also worked with humanitarian actors on the ground to draft a needs assessment.

The UN has also had a signifi-cant role on Yemen. What are the challenges there?

The situation in Yemen is high-ly complex. Atop the multiple conflicts already present in the country, the Arab Spring added a new dimension in the form of a political crisis over strong demands from protesters and opposition forces that the long-standing President, Ali Abdullah

Saleh, should step down and in-stitute reforms. Violence surged and the humanitarian situation deteriorated. The Secretary-General made his diplomatic good offices available in support of regional efforts to resolve the crisis, deploying a Special Ad-viser, Jamal Benomar, supported by DPA. His diplomacy between the competing groups in Yemen helped to produce in November a political transition agreement providing for elections in early 2012 and a two-year political transition process intended to move Yemen toward greater de-mocracy and the peaceful reso-lution of its conflicts. The UN will be working in the period ahead to support this process and ensure it is inclusive and respectful of human rights.

Transitions in the region are still unfolding, in some cases marred by violence and set-

backs. How confident are you that the changes set in mo-tion by the Arab Spring will be consolidated and endure?

The new order in this region may take a number of years to emerge, but I believe the old Middle East is dead and it is not coming back. Even some of the more conservative actors in the region realize they need to make changes. Governments have to prove they are actually work-ing for the people. Where this is not the case, people are no longer afraid of the suppressive apparatus of the state. They are willing to fight for their rights. Without interfering, the chal-lenge for the UN and the inter-national community is to ef-fectively support these historic transformations which have come so suddenly and represent such a fundamental break from the past.

USG Pascoe briefs correspondents on the report “Preventive Diplomacy:

Delivering Results”. United Nations, New York, 12 Septem

ber 2011. (U

N Photo/Mark Garten)

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Preventive diplomacy: A necessity, not an optionWhen crises break or threaten to erupt in violence, rapid dip-lomatic action — also known as preventive diplomacy — is one of the oldest tools available to the United Nations to prevent bloodshed or escalation. To-day, this instrument is gather-ing renewed force at the UN, as quiet successes breed confi-dence in its application, recent investments in capacity take root, avenues for effective part-nerships expand and Member States search for cost-effective answers to crises at a time of global economic strain.

In numerous engagements, over the past few years, UN envoys

and mediators have shown the value of timely preventive di-plomacy. Their efforts have helped, for example, to nurse fragile democratic transitions in Guinea and Kyrgyzstan, to encourage political agreements in Yemen, to channel confron-tation into dialogue in Malawi and to bring about a peaceful referendum in Southern Sudan.

Buoyed by results such as these, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has placed preventive diploma-cy high on the agenda for his second term in office. In Sep-tember 2011, he issued a major report on the topic, that sum-marized recent advances and

set out a five-year agenda for further progress by the UN and its partners.

“Preventive diplomacy today is delivering concrete results with relatively modest resources in many regions of the world, help-ing to save lives and to protect development gains. It is, with-out a doubt, one of the smartest investments we can make”, the Secretary-General concluded in the report entitled Preventive Di-plomacy: Delivering Results. The Security Council has echoed the Secretary-General’s call, holding a high-level meeting on preven-tive diplomacy along the margins of last year’s General Assembly.

SRSG for Somalia Augustine M

ahiga (forefront to the right) welcom

es Secretary-General Ban Ki-m

oon to Mogadishu w

ith USG B. Lynn Pascoe (disembarking

plane) and GA President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser (behind Mr. Pascoe).

Mogadishu, Som

alia, 9 December 2011. (UN Photo/M

ark Garten)

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Numerous factors have come together to boost the prospects for effective preventive diplo-macy in today’s world.

The past decade has seen chang-es at the policy level and on the ground. Regional organizations, such as the African Union, have updated their normative frame-works to support more proac-tive diplomacy to resolve po-litical crises affecting member countries. In June 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution on rein-forcing mediation in the peace-ful settlement of disputes. These normative developments have paved the way for the creation of new preventive capacities in many parts of the world, includ-ing systems for crisis monitoring and flexible funding mechanisms for rapid reaction.

Strengthening DPAStrengthening the UN Depart-ment of Political Affairs (DPA) has been a key development that anchors much of the Orga-nization’s work in this area. The GA approved budgetary increas-es requested by the Secretary-General to reinforce DPA’s core structures at Headquarters. A Mediation Support Unit estab-lished within the department provides expertise to envoys and other mediators engag-ing in negotiations. The seven members of DPA’s Standby Team of Mediation experts can be de-ployed within 72 hours to pro-vide advice on issues such as power-sharing, resource man-agement, constitution-making and women’s participation.

“These capacities have under-pinned the department’s shift from a relatively desk-bound organization drafting analyti-cal papers at Headquarters, to an increasingly action-oriented network, carrying out and sup-porting preventive diplomacy in the field”, says B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Po-litical Affairs.

In 1999, DPA supervised only eight political missions; today there are more than a dozen such missions in Africa, Cen-tral Asia and the Middle East, acting as a strong platform for preventive diplomacy. Through cooperation, regional offices in Central and West Africa, as well as in Central Asia, assist Mem-ber States in preventing conflict and responding to cross-border threats such as terrorism and organized crime.

For example, Said Djinnit, head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, shuttled back and forth to Guinea more than 50 times following a 2008 military coup. Working alongside en-voys of the African Union and ECOWAS, his efforts helped keep up the diplomatic pressure for a peaceful return to constitution-al order. In December 2010, the country held democratic presi-dential elections.

Increased voluntary funding is helping DPA to respond more rapidly to crises. Such funding has been critical, for example, in enabling the rapid dispatch of envoys, mediation and elec-toral experts in response to major unforeseen developments

such as last year’s Arab Spring.Although the value of preven-tion has become conventional wisdom, success remains a dif-ficult prospect. Parties may be unwilling to resolve differ-ences peacefully. Governments and regional powers often still resist outside assistance for fear of interference in their in-ternal affairs. Concerted inter-national involvement may also be difficult to mobilize until major incidents of violence have taken place.

Changing the cultureAs the Secretary-General out-lined in his report of Sep-tember 2011, preventive di-plomacy has to be further strengthened over the coming years, in particular by moving to a culture of early action. Deepening partnerships with regional organizations will also allow for more rapid reaction. Diplomatic efforts must not end abruptly, but be placed on sustainable footing. Lastly, further financial commitments will be needed to ensure that mediators are trained and rap-idly deployed to trouble spots.

While all of these measures should make preventive diplo-macy more effective, they pro-vide no guarantees for success. Still, as UN Secretary-General Ban underscored in his report: “Better preventive diplomacy is not an option; it is a necessity”.

This article was adapted from the UN Department of Politi-cal Affairs newsletter Politically Speaking.

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Electoral support: Voting for peace

The demand for United Nations electoral assistance continued to increase in 2011. Eleven coun-tries submitted new requests, while the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) of the UN Depart-ment of Political Affairs (DPA) was active in a total of 55 coun-tries and territories. This includ-ed work in the Middle East and North Africa region, where in 2011, people clearly expressed their desire for genuinely and credibly elected leadership.

EAD is the key support unit for the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political Affairs, who serves as the UN focal point for electoral assistance matters.

The provision of electoral as-sistance by the UN is a team effort involving a number of agencies and departments, in-cluding EAD, the Department of

Peacekeeping Operations, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Department of Field Support, UN Women, the United Nations Office for Proj-ect Services and others. Elec-toral assistance is regulated by the General Assembly and is based on the principle estab-lished in the Universal Declara-tion of Human Rights that the will of the people, as expressed through periodic and genuine elections, shall be the basis of government authority, while also recognizing the principles of state sovereignty and na-tional ownership of elections.

To ensure compliance with these principles, the UN focal point for electoral assistance activities advises the UN Secre-tary-General on electoral mat-ters and ensures that assistance is carried out in an objective,

impartial, neutral and indepen-dent manner.

Supporting electionsEAD works in many different contexts to provide electoral support to Member States, in-cluding when mandated by the Security Council through peace-keeping missions and special political missions. Often these are implemented in an inte-grated manner with UNDP. The UN can also provide electoral assistance to countries where no peace missions are present. For this to happen, the USG for Political Affairs must approve a request submitted by the coun-try in question. The main goal of UN electoral assistance is to build sustainable peace and development through support-ing Member States in holding periodic, credible and genuine

The United Nations assists in Côte d’Ivoire legislative elections. Bon-doukou, Côte d’Ivoire, 11 Decem

ber 2011. (UN Photo/Hien M

acline)

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elections and establishing na-tionally sustainable electoral processes.

Prioritizing efforts to improve coherence, predictability and accountability, 2011 brought about important strengthening of the UN’s electoral assistance work.

These efforts are built upon the clear leadership role in all mat-ters related to electoral assis-tance assigned by the General Assembly to the focal point. They include the provision of UN electoral assistance in an integrated manner, a review of operational support to electoral assistance to identify and im-plement improvements and the development of a clear policy framework for this assistance.

Assisting Libya and HaitiIn Libya, the UN was given a clear electoral mandate within the framework of the Unit-ed Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), created by Secu-rity Council resolution 2009 (2011). Following the fall of the Qadhafi regime, the Na-tional Transitional Council adopted an interim covenant calling for elections in June of 2012 – the first openly com-petitive elections in Libya for more than 40 years. In order to support preparations and assist Libyan authorities in establishing all aspects of the institutional framework, EAD deployed electoral officers to Benghazi and Tripoli to initi-

ate dialogue with Libyan coun-terparts. These were immedi-ately followed by high-level visits and deployment of the core UNSMIL electoral team. The electoral component of UNSMIL is expected to grow to over 51 international staff in early 2012. The UN has also been requested to coordinate international electoral assis-tance through a mechanism called the Libya Coordinated Needs Assessment process, which aims to ensure coher-ence in technical advice and avoid duplication of activities.

Following the devastating 2010 earthquake, Haiti succeeded in holding successful presidential elections. On 20 March 2011, Michel Martelly won the popular vote in the second round and became the country’s president. In line with its Security Coun-cil mandate, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti coordinated all international support to the electoral process, including assisting in setting up 1,500 registration centres for displaced voters, inspecting all 1,483 voting centres and iden-tifying new locations to replace those that had been damaged or destroyed. The activities also included distributing the updat-ed voters’ list and, in coordina-tion with the Haitian National Police, developing and imple-menting an integrated electoral security plan.

Libya and Haiti are only two ex-amples of the extremely varied needs and contexts of Member

State elections. Other countries provided with electoral assis-tance included Yemen, Tuni-sia, Jordan, Nepal, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya. The assis-tance varied but included send-ing needs assessment missions, providing technical back-up and planning and deploying expert panels.

In order to strengthen the stra-tegic framework for UN electoral assistance and provide consis-tency and coherence, EAD has begun preparing a series of new policy papers that aim to clarify how the UN determines what as-sistance to provide and how UN electoral policy is developed. Other UN agencies involved are closely consulted in preparing these papers. They will provide prescriptive guidance in order that the Organization can in all contexts truly deliver as one. The diversity of Member States and situations are reflected in targeted assistance approaches – mostly through technical sup-port. They include providing ad-vice to national electoral author-ities, civic and voter education, promotion of the participation and representation of women and minorities, operational and logistical support, materials support, coordination of inter-national electoral assistance and support to media or politi-cal parties. While UN electoral assistance is guided by clear principles, the design of individ-ual electoral assistance interven-tions is predicated on the prem-ise that there is no “one size fits all” model or solution.

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The newest country on earthThe year 2011 witnessed the birth of the Republic of South Sudan. On 8 July, UN Security Council resolution 1996 autho-rized the United Nations Mis-sion in South Sudan (UNMISS) to begin the next day: South Sudan’s Independence Day.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss and Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for South Sudan Hilde F. Johnson attended the independence cer-emony in South Sudan’s nation-al capital, Juba. Thirty Heads of State, Ministers and dignitaries from around the world, includ-ing Sudan President Omer Al-Bashir, witnessed the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, take the oath of office, sign and pro-mulgate the Transitional Con-

stitution of South Sudan and declare a public amnesty for all militia groups.

President Al-Bashir reaffirmed his Government’s recognition of South Sudan and pledged to work closely with President Kiir to resolve outstanding issues and build a strong partnership going forward.

Setting prioritiesWhile UNMISS has benefited from staff and other resources affiliated with the former UN Mission in Sudan, it still faced the initial demands of strategic and operational planning.

In her first press conference, SRSG Johnson spotlighted the strategic priorities of the autho-rized 7,000 military troops and

900 police officers of UNMISS. “One priority is peace consolida-tion, which also includes politi-cal diversity and inclusiveness”, she told reporters in Juba. “The second, highlighted in the reso-lution, is conflict management, conflict resolution and the pro-tection of civilians. And the third element is support to the State of South Sudan, not least in the security sector, in rule of law, justice, human rights, and abiding by international laws and standards”.

Key achievements After becoming independent, South Sudan formed a more representative Government. SRSG Johnson noted the es-tablishment of a legislative as-sembly and a council of states. “Of course, there is much to be

South SudanUN

MISS

UNM

ISS deploys peacekeepers to conflict-stricken Jonglei state. Likuangole, South Sudan, 1 Septem

ber 2011. (UNM

IS/Timothy M

ckulka)

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done to strengthen and develop these democratic institutions, but it is important to acknowl-edge that these have been put in place”. Consultations had also begun on new laws governing political parties and elections, as well as on a constitutional review.

After forming the country’s first Government in September, President Salva Kiir made five anti-corruption commitments. In December, a presidential de-cree promulgated that public officials declare their assets and not engage in private business while in office.

As an important step towards im-proving governance, UNMISS also welcomed South Sudan’s obliga-tion to join the Extractive Indus-tries Transparency Initiative.

SRSG Johnson responded that “the Government has underlined its strong commitment to fight corruption and rapidly build in-stitutions. These are bold, deci-sive steps that will put the Gov-ernment on the right footing and attract investors”.

Hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese have been returning to the new country with the support of UN agencies and other humanitarian organiza-tions. A major achievement, the Government has managed to integrate important ren-egade militias into its national army, the Sudan People’s Lib-eration Army (SPLA).

Security issuesIn spite of significant progress made in establishing state in-stitutions and integrating mi-litias into the national army, protecting civilians and bro-kering peaceful coexistence among feuding tribes has been a major challenge.

Security in Jonglei state has been particularly troublesome for the fledgling Government. As its primary responsibility in protecting civilians, UNMISS has urged the Government to encourage communities in-volved in the cycle of inter-community violence in that state to respect their earlier commitments and resolve their differences through dialogue. “The mass killings must stop and the people in the area need to join together in putting an end to this merciless and lethal cycle of violence once and for all”, said SRSG Johnson.

The mission has been actively working to help combat reprisal attacks, particularly following the bloody violence in August between the Murle and Lou Nuer communities. It has continued to deploy resources, boosting efforts to prevent and mitigate conflict between the communi-ties and in December, sent pa-trols to the Jalleh area of Jon-glei after a new bout of violence broke out.

UNMISS, together with the Government of South Sudan, has coordinated the deploy-

ment of additional forces to areas where tensions remain high and has also employed a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to facilitate a recon-ciliation process.

“This is also the time for all South Sudanese to put peace in their new and independent country above all other con-cerns and interests”, said SRSG Johnson.

The approach endorses the in-clusive peace process led by the Sudan Council of Churches in addition to deploying the SPLA in Jonglei with weighty instruc-tions to protect civilians.

Peace agreementFor peace and stability to take root between Sudan and South Sudan, it is crucial that out-standing issues of the Compre-hensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which paved the way for the new State’s independence, be resolved amicably.

Continued lack of progress on outstanding CPA and post-inde-pendence negotiations, particu-larly on financial arrangements, Abyei and border demarcation, has contributed to a stalemate in North-South relations. In the light of intensified conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, tensions have exac-erbated with Khartoum allega-tions that SPLM-North received support from South Sudan, which the Government of South Sudan denied.

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Conquering the odds

The United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) was es-tablished in 2004 to facilitate the implementation of the 2003 peace agreement ending the Ivorian civil war.

In 2011, Côte d’Ivoire contin-ued to face significant security, humanitarian and political hur-dles following the violent cri-sis that ensued after the 2010 presidential run-off election in November. Challenges included the stabilization of the security situation, promoting reconcilia-tion and applying justice in an even-handed manner, protect-ing human rights, building strong independent institutions, and addressing cross-border

challenges and the root causes of the conflict.

Criminal charges Strides were made in the West African nation after ex-President Laurent Gbagbo was captured on 11 April, four months after refusing to acknowledge defeat in a UN-certified presidential poll, which was recognized by the international community. Transferred to the International Criminal Court on 29 Novem-ber, he faces charges of crimes against humanity.

One year earlier, the second round of presidential elections galvanized hopes to end the cri-

sis that had rocked Côte d’Ivoire for a decade. However, after the poll, a stalemate accompanied by violence paralyzed the coun-try for months. While the inter-national community recognized Alassane Dramane Ouattara as the duly elected president, for-mer President Gbagbo mobilized youth and armed forces against perceived opponents, including the United Nations.

On 30 March, the Security Coun-cil passed resolution 1975, re-peating its calls for Gbagbo to step down and urging an im-mediate end to the violence against the civilian population. After pro-Gbagbo forces fired heavy weapons in Abidjan, kill-

Côte d’IvoireUN

OCI

UNOCI peacekeepers on patrol in the capital after the surrender of ex-President

Gbagbo. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 14 April 2011. (UN Photo/Basile Zom

a)

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ing many civilians, the Council reaffirmed UNOCI’s mandate to protect civilians, including pre-venting the use of heavy weap-ons against them.

On 6 May, Ouattara took the oath of office at the presidential palace in Abidjan, one day after the Constitutional Council rati-fied the election results, revers-ing its December 2010 decision proclaiming Gbagbo the winner.

Ouattara was officially installed as President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on 21 May, in the administrative capital of Yamoussoukro. In attendance were 20 Heads of State and other high-level dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Later, the Secretary-General met with President Ouattara, who expressed gratitude for the world’s solidarity with Ivoirians and to the UN for helping to re-store democracy and contribute to establishing lasting peace.

Since then, financial and eco-nomic activity has resumed, roads and other infrastructure have been rehabilitated and the work of the Independent Elec-toral Commission reinitiated. Despite the progress achieved so far, a number of pressing challenges remain, and con-tinued support from all Ivorian stakeholders and international and regional partners will be re-quired to address them.

Legislative electionsA key task for the Ivorian au-thorities and their partners was

to ensure open, free, fair and transparent legislative elections on 11 December 2012. UNOCI provided logistical, security and technical support to help secure the vote, which also benefited from significant financial con-tributions by the international community.

The elections were held in a gen-erally calm and peaceful manner. Following the announcement of the provisional results by the Independent Electoral Commis-sion in late December, the fol-lowing stages of the process would involve the proclamation of the final results by the Ivo-rian Constitutional Council, and the certification by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General that every stage of the electoral process provided all the necessary guarantees for holding open, free, fair and transparent elections, in accordance with in-ternational standards.

Pressing prioritiesFollowing the post-elections crisis, and although large-scale killings had abated by mid-year, the situation in the country re-mained of concern. UNOCI con-tinued to support the efforts of the national security forces to stabilize the country, including through increased joint patrols and by reinforcing its presence in the volatile west – along the border with Liberia - and in the east of the country, along the Ghanaian border.

To further stabilize the security situation, UNOCI also assisted the Ivorian authorities in col-lecting weapons through ad hoc

disarmament activities, target-ing those posing the greatest risk to stabilization.

UNOCI also strengthened coordi-nation arrangements with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). For example, during the legislative elections in Côte d’Ivoire, UNMIL temporarily reinforced UNOCI with military and police person-nel, as well as aviation assets.

Nonetheless, there were contin-ued reports of human rights vio-lations committed by armed ele-ments, including from the Forces Républicaines de Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI). The reconstitution and reform of the security and rule of law institutions, including steps to address impunity and prog-ress towards national reconcilia-tion, remain critical. UNOCI has strengthened its human rights monitoring, investigation and reporting capacity, and also pro-vided human rights training to the FRCI and civil society repre-sentatives.

The newly created Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Com-mission, which is headed by for-mer Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny and involves football star Didier Drogba, was officially in-augurated on 28 September.

UNOCI supports the Commission in developing a programme of work. In order to promote rec-onciliation at the local level, the mission’s broadcasting capacity, UNOCI-FM, contributed to creat-ing an overall peaceful environ-ment, including for the legisla-tive elections. The mission also organized sports and cultural ac-tivities throughout the country.

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A fragile democracy holds election

Despite the heavy morning driz-zle, Martha Sonpon, 35, waited patiently in the queue outside a polling station in the suburbs of Monrovia with her two-year-old daughter strapped to her back. As soon as a polling officer spot-ted her, he ushered her to the head of the long line as preg-nant women, mothers and the physically challenged were given priority to cast their ballots.

It was Liberia’s second demo-cratic election since the end of the civil war, but Sonpon was voting for the first time. Like thousands of Liberians who fled the country to escape the 14-year civil war, she spent more than a decade as a refugee in Ghana and returned home only three years ago. “I am glad to

have the opportunity to choose my government through elec-tions, not by fighting”, she said.

The elections were the culmina-tion of a spirited, weeks-long campaign devoid of any major security incidents. This was also an election that was fully orga-nized by Liberian national insti-tutions headed by the National Elections Commission (NEC).

UN supportThe United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) supported the elections by coordinating inter-national assistance and provid-ing logistical support, such as transporting election materials. Over 170 Liberia National Police (LNP) officers were also moved

by UN helicopters to remote ar-eas of the country. In addition, the mission stood by the LNP helping to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the country. The mission also supported the de-ployment of electoral observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to diffi-cult-to-access regions.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the smooth elections and commended the people of Liberia for exercising their right to vote in a calm and peaceful manner. The ECOWAS election observation mission, as well as the African Union and the Carter Centre observer missions, declared the first round of elec-tions free, fair and transparent.

UNMI

LLiberia

UNM

IL provides logistical support and international coordination in elec-tions. M

onrovia, Liberia, 11 October 2011. (UN Photo/Staton W

inter)

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By the time the results were announced, it became clear that no single presidential can-didate had won an absolute majority, necessitating a run-off ballot between incumbent President Ellen Johson Sirleaf of the Unity Party, who won 43.9 per cent of the votes, and Winston Tubman of the Congress for Democratic Party (CDC), who mustered 32.7 per

cent. The run-off election was held on 8 November.

However, with some opposi-tion parties led by the CDC al-leging irregularities during the first round of elections and demanding the reorganization of the NEC, the prospect of a smooth run-off election be-came less likely. The calls by ECOWAS, the African Union and

others to seek redress through legal channels went unheeded. The CDC announced a boycott of the run-off and an opposi-tion gathering on the eve of the election became violent with one confirmed death. The second round run-off election went ahead as planned.

In an atmosphere of anxiety and confusion, voter turn-out for the run-off was only 37.4 per cent, and President Sirleaf emerged the winner with more than 90 per cent of the votes cast. International and local ob-servers billed the run-off vote as transparent, fair and credible with no major irregularities.

A nascent democracyLiberia’s second democratic elections since the civil war, widely touted as a litmus test for the country’s nascent de-mocracy, have demonstrated the still fragile state of Liberia’s democracy. Liberia is a coun-try in a delicate post-conflict transition. The disagreements around the second round run-off election and efforts since have underscored the urgent impor-tance of reconciliation and in-clusiveness to ensure that the peace can hold.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, James Victor Gbeho, highlighted the need to raise the level of political education and advocacy in the region to ensure that political leaders recognized that “there is life af-ter losing an election and that in every election there must be a winner and a loser”.

Handling refugees from Côte d’IvoireThroughout the year, Liberia hosted a massive refugee influx from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire following widespread post-election violence in that country. At the height of the influx, which began in November 2010, there were nearly 200,000 Ivorians in Liberia, raising security concerns.

UNMIL has been supporting the Liberian National Police’s Emergency Response Unit and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization officers to engage in regular patrols along the Ivorian border and has stepped up its own surveillance, in-cluding in inaccessible areas, with air patrols. UNMIL has also enhanced inter-mission cooperation with the UN Mis-sion in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) to ensure effective information-sharing, coordinated patrolling on both sides of the border and joint border operations. UNMIL also sent troops and avi-ation assets to support UNOCI during the December elections in Côte d’Ivoire.

The blue helmets continue to patrol refugee settlements spread across several counties in collaboration with Liberian law en-forcement agencies. They have also kept supply roads open, helping delivery of humanitarian supplies. Peacekeeping engi-neers have been constructing and rehabilitating access roads to two major refugee camps set up in Bahn and Little Wlebo.

UNMIL continues to support the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as other UN agencies, funds and pro-grammes, in dealing with the unexpected burden Liberia has been shouldering for one year now. In November 2011, as Liberians were grappling with the political fall-out of their troubled run-off election, there were more than 130,000 Ivo-rian refugees still in Liberia, escaping the threat of post-election violence in their own country.

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Promoting peace and reconciliationIn October 2009, a conflict over resources erupted between the Enyele and Munzaya communi-ties in Equateur province. The conflict expanded and by July 2010 had caused significant dis-placement of people. Tensions rose between the two communi-ties, who live in an area of en-demic poverty.

Against this backdrop, the Unit-ed Nations Organization Mis-sion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) began to support the construction of a community radio in Dongo, Equateur Province.

In addition to capacity-building workshops for civil society, sem-inars in conflict management,

mediation, appeasement and welfare activities, MONUC (and subsequently the renamed Unit-ed Nations Organization Stabi-lization Mission in the Demo-cratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO) worked together with the UN Country Team to bring together communities that had been seriously splintered by in-ter-communal animosity.

What emerged was a “people’s radio”, dedicated to promot-ing peace, reconciliation and development.

Dongo Radio Broadcasts of the Dongo Com-munity Radio (RACODO) cover a range of more than 100 kilo-

meters, stretching beyond the DRC’s borders. The primary ob-jective is not only to serve the people of Dongo, but also to reach internally displaced peo-ple and the thousands of Con-golese refugees who fled across the Ubangui River to the Repub-lic of Congo during the violence.

RACODO’s programmes are pri-marily geared towards reconcili-ation. This has benefitted the population not only in the DRC, but also in other areas, such as Betu in neighbouring Republic of Congo, where it has helped to raise awareness that security and peace are returning to the affected areas in Equateur. This outreach tool has done much to encourage people to return

MONU

SCO

Democratic Republic of the Congo

MONUSCO peacekeepers on DRC escorting assignm

ent. Dungu, DRC, 19 August 2011. (U

N Photo/Myriam

Asmani)

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home to the villages they had fled from.

The radio programming is man-aged by the non-governmental organization, “Search for Com-mon Ground”. Hearing news about improved living conditions in their home areas people give confidence to return to their vil-lages. The broadcasts also en-courage reconciliatory talks be-tween and among communities.

A joint endeavourThis joint UN initiative has yielded a number of positive results. In particular, the pro-gramme has been encouraging different communities to live together in peace, including through promoting mutual re-spect of each other’s traditions and cultural rites.

MONUSCO constructed the radio station’s main building. UNICEF provided sanitation facilities; the Office of the UN High Com-missioner for Refugees fur-nished the broadcasting studio and trained the first group of journalists; and the UN Popula-tion Fund provided a vehicle for the journalists to use.

In March 2010, at the community radio project launch, MONUC’s head of Office in Equateur Prov-ince, Mr. Ould Mohamed Elha-cen, said, “May this be the ce-ment of community cohesion, a development tool and a factor of definitive stability in this zone”. His hope is gradually be-coming a reality.

Alongside RACODO’s efforts, MONUSCO also continued to

advocate for additional efforts focusing on reintegration and community development.

Electoral supportIn accordance with its man-date, MONUSCO provided tech-nical and logistical support to the Congolese Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the presidential and legislative elections held on 28 November 2011. More than 300 flights by helicopter and 40 by plane transported some 5,000 tons of electoral materials around the country in support of that pro-cess. MONUSCO also provided transport for the deployment of more than 400 international electoral observers across the country.

In addition to logistical support, MONUSCO and the United Na-tions Development Programme (UNDP) provided technical as-sistance to INEC, including with regard to the voter registration process. MONUSCO and UNDP also supported the production, coordination and distribution of materials designed to heighten public awareness of the presi-dential and legislative elections and promote civic education.

In 210 sites around the coun-try, 350,000 electoral agents were trained and then moni-tored the electoral process at the 64,000 polling stations and 169 centers for compilation of the results. In addition, some 900 legislative candidates re-ceived training and more than 500 trainers were trained on gender issues and elections in

anticipation of the provincial and local elections.

Operation Santa Claus On 18 December 2011, MONUSCO, with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, launched “Operation Santa Claus” in northeastern Orientale province. The joint initiative aimed at preventing horrific at-tacks against the local popula-tions that had been perpetrated during past end-of-year holiday seasons by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Major obstacles in Orientale province included the rough terrain and lack of infrastruc-ture, such as roads, which make remote and isolated communi-ties particularly vulnerable to attacks. To deter possible LRA attacks, MONUSCO contingents were deployed around the re-gion in key towns, such as Dungu, Duru, Djabir, Lingkofo, Niangara, Bongadi and Limaya.

Operation Santa Claus was successfully completed on 3 January 2012. General Chander Prakash, Force Commander of MONUSCO, explained that “the goal of the operation had been to help ensure there were no LRA attacks in MONUSCO’s areas of operation and that the popu-lation enjoyed the holiday sea-son in peace and security. In this regard, we were successful. It was like a Christmas present to the local population, and mine was in their very apprecia-tive response”.

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Building capacity to promote dialogue Since 1999, the UN has had a special political mission in Guinea-Bissau to assist the country’s multiple challenges, including military violence, po-litical instability and political assassinations. As it strives to institute stability and develop-ment, there is a need to build human and institutional capac-ity for peace, governance and security reforms.

In collaboration with inter-national partners, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuild-ing Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) is assisting nation-al authorities to address these and other challenges.

Joseph Mutaboba is the Special Representative of the Secre-

tary-General (SRSG) for Guinea-Bissau and Head of UNIOGBIS. Based on the country’s needs, detailed in national action plans and agendas, UNIOGBIS’ capacity-building programme is based on the UN Development Assistance Framework, which takes into account the mission’s peacebuilding initiatives, in-cluding the security sector re-form process.

In 2011, the programme provid-ed financial and technical sup-port for more than 20 seminars, training sessions and sensitiza-tion initiatives. Participation totaled 1,060, representing 800 members of the defense and se-curity forces, public service per-sonnel and representatives of civil society.

Building a visionUNIOGBIS, the UN Development Programme and the UN Peace-building Fund are providing Parliament with technical and financial support in organizing a 2012 national conference aimed at reconciliation and building a national vision. Building capac-ity, a facilitation skills training has already enhanced the results of the preparatory conferences.

In his report on Guinea-Bissau dated 21 October 2011, UN Secre-tary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that the National Conference of-fered “a timely and historic op-portunity for the people of Guin-ea-Bissau to turn a new page and embark on an irreversible process that seeks to close the door to

UNIO

GBIS

Guinea-BissauFirst sem

inar on human rights for Guinea-Bissau Parliam

ent Mem

bers, organized by UNIOGBIS. Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, 19 Decem

ber 2011. (UN Photo/Vladimir M

onteiro)

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the death, destruction and di-visions of the past and to open the way towards a brighter future based on genuine national recon-ciliation and unity”.

Additionally, a National Judi-ciary Training Centre was estab-lished to help support judges, prosecutors and lawyers.

Two major workshops, conduct-ed to strengthen national ca-pacities in implementing securi-ty sector reform (SSR), centered on cooperation and informa-tion-sharing among the Public Prosecution Service, magistrates and police investigators. Ses-sions focusing on child protec-tion and the criminal justice

system also created synergies among the stakeholders.

Computer-based training for se-curity forces personnel bolstered national police and customs while assisting the institutions in combating drug trafficking and organized crime.

Training for equality Despite coming from two different worlds, the UN Population Fund’s Dionisia Gomes shares a common goal with Bissau-Guinean Armed Forces Captain Fidelis Oliveira. They are both interested in learning about and training others in human rights and gender equity.

In 2000, Ms. Gomes participated in training on peace consolidation, female leadership and gen-der mainstreaming in peacekeeping missions. Eleven years later, she is still learning. “Eight months after a course on [Security Council] res-olution 1325, my organization, the West Africa Network for Peace, conducted a seminar recom-mending gender committees within the security and defense forces. Today, they are a reality”, she says proudly. Ms. Gomes also recognizes the impact of successive trainings on her career. “They have opened doors for me, such as working

with regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and even helped me to be a better staff member”.

Capt. Oliveira first received human rights train-ing in Angola as a UN peacekeeper in 1997. “It was very helpful and taught us about critical topics, such as military and civilian relation-ships”. When UNIOGBIS organized a workshop on human rights for the defense and security forces, he didn’t hesitate. Now, Capt. Oliveira trains colleagues. “I explain how the military should submit to civilian power. This year, the Armed Forces organized a football tournament between military and civilian teams, bringing together both groups”.

2 7


One female police agent said that the training helped her to bet-ter understand “how to address a citizen in the street, respect-ing his or her rights and avoiding the use of force”. Another police agent added that he learned how to build a good relationship with a police informant.

Throughout the year, UNIOGBIS also conducted various work-shops for journalists, including on SSR, national dialogue and reconciliation and gender equal-ity, as well as several training sessions on human rights, spe-cifically for members of the de-fense and security forces.

In addition to reinforcing the promotion of human rights and

gender equality in the Police and Armed Forces, the training provided the added value of im-proving relations between these bodies with the general pub-lic—essential for dialogue and reconciliation.

In cooperation with the Minis-try of Justice, training sessions for prison guards were held on prisoner, detainee and interna-tional human rights standards.

Moving forwardThe elaboration of the National Gender Policy in 2011 consti-tuted a milestone for gender equality and equity in the coun-try. A member of the Ministry of Women affirmed that the gender

training received was “funda-mental to the National Policy for Gender Equality and Equity, particularly in helping to orga-nize the team in charge of con-ceptualizing, generating, and drafting the National Policy”.

UN engagement is ongoing. SRSG Mutaboba assures that in 2012, UNIOGBIS will continue to work together with the UN Country Team as part of an integrated UN presence in Guinea-Bissau. Key reforms will be targeted in ar-eas such as SSR implementation; promotion of the rule of law and human rights; combating drug trafficking, organized crime and impunity; and consolidation of national dialogue and gender equality.

UN Police provide technical assistance to the security reform

in Guinea-Bissau. Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, 3 February 2011. (U

N Photo/Vladimir M

onteiro)

2 8


Driving peace efforts in DarfurA nighttime attack on a peace-keeping patrol in the Zam Zam in-ternally displaced persons (IDPs) camp on 10 October jolted the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), which has been largely credited with reducing violence where its troops are present. Two Rwan-dan soldiers and one Senegalese police advisor were killed and five others injured.

The Government of the North Darfur State immediately con-demned the attack, blaming the armed movement “Minni Min-nawi”, which denied responsi-bility. UNAMID, the State Gov-ernment said, was the “light of peace”. Later, at the UN Security

Council, the Sudanese Perma-nent Representative blamed the peacekeepers for the incident.

Zam Zam, 10 kilometres out-side El Fasher, accommodates some 150,000 IDPs who depend largely upon UNAMID for secu-rity. UNAMID kept up its patrols, although the consequences of the October ambush threatened to reverberate. A month later, a Sierra Leonean peacekeeper was killed in yet another attack, this one in Nyala, South Darfur.

Then on 24 December, as rebel movements crossed north Darfur heading east, the Justice and Equality Movement leader Khalil Ibrahim was killed in an attack

in North Kordofan, outside UNA-MID’s area of responsibility.

During 2011, many IDPs re-turned home; others resettled elsewhere. The numbers of ci-vilians killed in belligerent acts were in the three-figures, a huge decrease since the height of the conflict eight years earlier.

UNAMID credits in part the near doubling of its patrols and more “robust” posture. A framework for peace, the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), was drafted in Qatar after nearly two years of ne-gotiations. The Government of Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) com-

UNAM

IDSudan

High-capacity rolling w

ater containers distributed by UNAMID to local population.

Gurrer village, Darfur, 4 May 2011. (UN Photo/St. Colley Saney)

2 9


mitted themselves to the DDPD in a ceremony on 14 July.

Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari, named Chief Joint Mediator ad interim in June, continued to urge the Jus-tice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdel Wahid to sign on to the DDPD. In November, these groups, along with the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minnawi and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, formed the Sudan Revolu-tionary Front and re-iterated their intention to overthrow the Khar-toum Government.

In late October, after 21 years, LJM leader Al Tijane Sesi re-turned to Darfur as Chair of the new Darfur Regional Authority, which was set up in December, one of the steps set out in the DDPD. The reception on the ground was mixed, as opposi-tion movements held sway in some IDP camps. But implemen-tation of the DDPD continued.

Beset with rebellions and eco-nomic strain following the se-cession of South Sudan, the Government of Sudan reacted sharply to Security Council res-olution 2003, adopted in July, extending the Mission mandate by a year. Government officials expressed through the media their extreme displeasure with some provisions of the resolu-tion. JSR Gambari sought to as-sure them that UNAMID would not be expanding its presence nor altering its mandate, which remained, since 2007, to pro-tect civilians, support the deliv-

ery of humanitarian assistance and further the peace process.

Earlier, in June, UNAMID’s work with the Government on the In-ternational Darfur Conference on Water for Sustainable Peace contributed to addressing one of the root causes of the con-flict: competition over natural resources in the midst of cli-mate change and urban popu-lation growth. Pledges and ex-pressions of interest, led by the Government itself, indicated that half of the Conference’s US $1 billion goal would be met. From that point, UNAMID and other stakeholders in Darfur be-gan stressing the need for early recovery and development to shore up the peace process.

Operation Spring BasketAlso in mid-2011, UNAMID’s Operation Spring Basket, con-ducted with relief agencies, sought to assist in expanding humanitarian access to remote, conflict-impacted communities in areas under both Government and “movement” control. JSR Gambari visited the embattled Jebel Marra area to assure peo-ple that the international com-munity had not forgotten their plight. UNAMID also distributed 3,000 water rollers, easily trans-portable containers that carry up to 75 liters of water.

In an agreement with the Gov-ernment to “bridge” the way toward a UN radio station, the Mission began broadcasting daily programming on Darfur state radios.

UNAMID’s reconciliation efforts, largely led by civil affairs teams, were bearing fruit in some ar-eas. Crop protection committees were formed to ease tensions between nomads and pastoral-ists. Areas under cultivation vis-ibly increased. Members of rival groups began attending joint meetings. Freedom of move-ment for average Darfuris also expanded.

As the year ended, UNAMID had begun DDPD dissemination, now as the designated framework for the peace process. JSR Gambari urged the international commu-nity to press the non-signatory movements to get on board. Prescribed by the DDPD, a Cease Fire Commission chaired by UNAMID meets every other week, while the Follow-On Com-mission continues implementa-tion activities in Doha.

The DDPD represents a “new be-ginning” for Darfur according to JSR Gambari, whose goal has been to bring the peace process from Doha to the people of Dar-fur. The lack of an “enabling environment”, that is the pres-ence of civil and human rights on the ground, continued to dampen such plans.

The year 2012 will test whether the parties to the Darfur con-flict will join the peace process to which UNAMID has contrib-uted immensely – through its resources, expertise, logistics and security, as well as with the lives of its peacekeepers.

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LOCAL STAFF OF UNAMID

BY UNAMID COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION DIVISION - OLIVIER CHASSOT

In Spring 2011, UNAMID Communication and Public Information Division launched a pro-ject on the mission’s national staff. Entitled “National Staff of UNAMID – Contribution &

Dreams”, it is a book of portraits and interviews. The idea was to pay a tribute to those men and women who try to build a brighter future for their family and their country. It also aims to improve the perception that other staff and the international community might have of them as national staff usually occupy lower positions and their contribution is frequently not as well recognized as that of their international colleagues.

Photo sessions were organized in UNAMID photo studio in El Fasher, North Darfur, using con-trolled light and a black background. The purpose was to create visual uniformity throughout the project and to emphasize the focus on the subject, avoiding distractions. In a country where photography is not very developped, “obtaining the consent of the first national staff was not easy” recalls Olivier Chassot, photographer and UNAMID Public Information Officer and author of the project. “The first subjects were quite skeptical and it took a lot of time to gain their trust. The turning point was in printing and displaying and to display them in my office. Suddenly, my Sudanese colleagues became curious, asked questions and wanted to know more about this project. They finally agreed to participate and even brought some of their colleagues along. After the end of the project, new staff were still coming in, asking to be included”.

““I am an Ambassador for UNAMID. My job is to translate messages from the local community to the Police Advisors. I’m here to facilitate communication and convey UNAMID messages to the Darfurian population”. said Alhadi Mohamed Suliman. Like many other Sudanese staff working with UNAMID, Alhadi is proud of his contribu-tion to Darfur and to the mission. The photo project “National Staff of UNAMID – Contribution & Dreams” gave him and his colleagues a voice and a face.

(continues on page 34)

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When did you start working for UNAMID? In January 2009.

What was your job before working for UNAMID? I was a lawyer in a private office in El Fasher and I participated in many workshops and seminars in El Fasher, Nyala and Khartoum, on legal issues and human rights organized by the United Nations Development Programme, International Rescue Committee and some of NGOs. I have attended many workshops for capacity-building in the Gambia, Uganda and Kenya. I did many lectures on Sudanese Laws. For example, on Personal Status Law, Criminal Law and Civil Procedure Law to the IDPs on Abu Shouk and Zamzam camps.

Why did you decide to join UNAMID? I joined because I want to be an international aid worker. As the first step, I decided to be an aid worker for UNAMID because of the people in Darfur. It is a golden opportunity to work with the UN where I have acquired knowledge on international laws and the UN system. I am proud of myself as national staff with UNAMID.

How do you see your contribution to Darfur and peace through your work?Through my work I can help people through various means, for example by meeting with stakeholders and conducting discussions with women about the peace process.

How do you see yourself and your career after UNAMID?I see myself as a strong person who can stand without assistance. I will apply to other posts in UN missions throughout the world and continue my education until I get my Ph.D in the USA.

the profile

28 years oldSingleFrom El Fasher, North DarfurLegal Officer

Amna Jibril

Engaged From El Fasher, North Darfur Human Resources Assistant

When did you start working for UNAMID? In June 2010.

What was your job before working for UNAMID? I was a translator and base operator for the international Human Rights NGO “Children of the World”.

Why did you decide to join UNAMID?I have been working for NGOs since 1996 and I wanted to work as a UN international staff with a UN agency.

How do you see your contribution to Darfur and peace through your work?I think it is an important contribution. I serve my clients with good manners and hope to contribute to Darfur and the return of helpless people (IDPs) back to a normal live.

How do you see yourself and your career after UNAMID?I look forward to working with other UN agencies. Otherwise, I will go back to my old job as a lecturer in a Sudanese University.

Alsadig Jadallah

the profile

3 2

35 years oldMarriedFrom El Fasher, North Darfur Interpreter & Translator

When did you start working for UNAMID? In May 2008.

What was your job before working for UNAMID? I worked as a youth coordinator with Community Habitat Fund.

Why did you decide to join UNAMID?Previously, we had no real presence in international organizations, but more recently, there has been some progress. For that reason, I think qualified people may get some opportuni-ties for international posts through their experience in NGOs, UN agencies or even UNAMID.

How do you see your contribution to Darfur and peace through your work?Since the interpreter serves as the “tongue” of the mission, my contribution will be es-tablished on conveying the correct and actual message of the mission.

How do you see yourself and your career after UNAMID?This will remain one of the major challenges for all national staff. It is the perpetual question that everyone has been asking themselves. As I am sure that I will not find the core values, environment or salaries of UNAMID in any other institution in Darfur, I will establish my own translation and interpretation office either here in Darfur or in the capital of Sudan, Khartoum.

Mohamed Zakaria Adam Hassan

the profile

When did you start working for UNAMID? In October 2009.

What was your job before working for UNAMID? I was a clinical microbiologist.

Why did you decide to join UNAMID? It was by fortunate chance. I came to El Fasher to help care for an ailing relative and submitted a job application for UNAMID. I had previously worked with a small national NGO and had wanted to continue working with aid agencies while in El Fasher.

How do you see your contribution to Darfur and peace through your work?Working in public information means that frequently, we are the only reliable source of information on the conflict. Rumour and misinformation often only fuel tensions and rekindle violence. We provide crucial information that can hopefully mobilize all parties to the conflict, as well as the international community, to redouble their efforts to help bring an end to the fighting.

How do you see yourself and your career after UNAMID?I hope to pursue a degree in development and return to Sudan, to do some lasting good.

the profile

25 years oldSingleFrom Khartoum / El Fasher Public Information Assistant

Mayada Umbadda

3 3

When did you start working for UNAMID?In May 2008.

What was your position before?My position was in the capacity of community worker with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and as a Programme Assistant for the Livelihood with Cooperative Housing Fundation International.

Why did you decide to become an aid worker for UNAMID?I decided to join UNAMID for many reasons. To contribute to helping the Darfurian com-munity, to develop my own capacity and to interact with people from all over the world.

How do you see your contribution to Darfur and peace through your work?I think I contribute to peace in Darfur by facilitating the work of the Human Rights Section and by sharing information.

How do you see yourself and your career after UNAMID?There have been some improvements and benefits after joining UNAMID, so I am feeling satisfied with my career. However, I am still looking for further career development and would like to start a Master’s Degree in Human Rights next year and one day to become UN international staff.

the profile

29 years oldSingleFrom Kabkabiya, North DarfurHuman Rights Office Assistant

Inas Mohamad Baraka Mohamad

The project was warmly welcomed by the national staff. By pro-viding information on their background, motivation, initial ex-pectations and hopes for the future, this project not only under-lines their professionalism but also highlights UNAMID’s positive impact on national staff’s career, which can be carried over to peacekeeping in general.

In the coming months, UNAMID is going to print a coffee table book containing the pictures and interviews as well as other photo projects. A simpler version is already available at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2509562

Olivier Chassot is working on extending this project to other peacekeeping missions.

Some national staff depicted in this project have since left the mission and have begun to realize their dreams.

(continued from page 31)

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3 5


Guarding livesThe United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sa-hara (known by its French acro-nym, MINURSO) was established with the 1991 ceasefire agree-ment between Morocco and the Frente Polisario to monitor the truce and organize a referendum on self-determination for the territory. With the suspension of referendum preparations in 2000 and a stalemate in the political process, MINURSO continues to monitor the ceasefire, conduct mine action operations and sup-port UN confidence-building measures, as well as those of the Personal Envoy to advance a po-litical solution to the conflict.

Demining activities In addition to extensive moni-toring of ceasefire compliance and violation investigation, the Mission plays an important role in clearing dangerous areas, contaminated by mines and ex-plosive remnants of war (ERW). Since 1976, an unknown quan-tity of ERW lies scattered across the vast territory of Western Sahara. Over time, contami-nation has reportedly caused more than 2,500 casualties and 500 deaths amongst the local population traversing the ter-ritory to graze livestock and search for water.

The socio-economic impact is considerable. Livelihood oppor-tunities in the desert are limit-ed by the scarcity of water, yet the majority of accidents occur along the berm, an area that is rich in wadis drainage courses and other water resources. This land provides extensive vegeta-tion and sites for water catch-ments during the rainy season, making it an otherwise ideal location for animal herding and small scale agricultural sites. The presence of mines and ERW impedes the livelihoods of shepherds, as well as the return of refugees.

MINU

RSO

Western Sahara

MINURSO M

ACC deminers in the scorching Sahara desert heat. Tifariti, W

estern Sahara, 1 Septem

ber 2011. (UN Photo/Ginevra Cucinotta)

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Clearance operations are un-dertaken on the West side of the berm by the Royal Moroc-can Army, and on the East side by UN MACC, MINURSO’s UN Mine Action Coordination Cen-tre (MACC). MACC is managed by the UN Mine Action Ser-vice through its implementing partner, Landmine Action UK (LMA)/Mechem.

In 2011, through MACC, MIN-URSO completed coordination for the eradication of all known unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Western Sahara. This resulted in the destruction of more than 7,000 UXOs in 550 known lo-cations. Ranging from aircraft bombs to artillery projectiles and hand and rocket-propelled grenades, this crucial progress

was achieved when both parties strengthened their cooperation with MACC during the summer. The mutual effort focused on information-sharing and com-plying with international dem-ining standards.

In addition to destroying UXOs, since 2009, the MACC has coor-dinated clearance for over 15 million square metres of cluster munitions strike areas and de-stroyed more than 11,000 clus-ter bomb units.

Foreseeing the complete clear-ing of cluster munitions and UXOs, in 2012 the MACC will concentrate on clearing 30 known mine fields east of the berm (for a total of 137 km²). Eliminating mines and ERW pro-

vides both MINURSO military observers and the local popula-tion with safe movement in the once-contaminated areas.

Complementary to clearance op-erations, the MACC is providing mine awareness briefings for all MINURSO newcomers. In 2012, the MACC will launch a Mine Risk Education project to sen-sitize Saharan populations to the threat of mines/ERW and to warn communities of the haz-ardous areas.

Supporting familiesAlong a previously contaminated track, the village of Bir Tiguisit has mushroomed. As community leader Sid Ahmed attests, small businesses are now providing work for residents in the area. (See box for more.)

Schools were also built. In pre-viously contaminated areas, around Bir Tiguisit and Me-haires, hundreds of local chil-dren now have safe access to education.

Furthermore, since 2004, MIN-URSO has provided air transport and police facilitation to the UNHCR family visits exchange programme. Designed to pro-mote face-to-face contact be-tween Saharawi living west of the berm (controlled by Moroc-co) and their relatives in Tin-douf (Algeria) refugee camps, it enables family who have been separated since the outbreak of war to maintain regular contact. Since its inception, the UNHCR-led programme has benefited over 10,000 Saharawi.

“We feel free to move safely”Community leader Sid Ahmed proudly asserts that clearance operations “have made a big difference to my people”. Before, nomads were spread across the terri-tory, searching for safe areas in which to live. In 2009, when removal activities began in Western Sahara, people started to re-inhabit villages and communities.

“Now we can move in all directions without being scared of unexploded ord-nance (UXOs). We feel free to move safely”. Before clearance operations, explains Sid Ahmed: “People were very frightened. We frequently received reports of accidents and UXOs exploding by themselves, es-pecially during the summer months. It would have not been possible to move to Bir Tiguisit without clearance”.

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Partnering with the African Union In June 2010, General Assembly resolution 64/288 established the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) with a mandate to enhance the UN-AU partnership in the area of peace and security; to provide operational and planning support to AU peace operations; and to help the AU build its insti-tutional capacity for deploying and managing peace operations. Consolidating and expanding the activities of three separate entities, UNOAU represents the Departments of Political Affairs, Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support.

UNOAU is also the primary UN fo-cal point for the AU on peace and security matters. Regularly called upon to provide the UN perspec-tive on these important issues, it has already greatly strengthened the UN presence at AU Peace and Security Council meetings.

Headed by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zachary Muburi-Muita, UNOAU has 19 spe-cialized planner/advisers covering a range of key peacemaking and peacekeeping functions.

Within the context of the African Peace and Security Architecture, UNOAU supports the AU’s activi-ties in conflict prevention, man-agement and resolution. Speaking during UNOAU inauguration on 22 February 2011, Dr Jean Ping, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “In as much as we stand together to inaugurate this new

Office, we are also making a step in a new beginning that charac-terizes the relationship between the United Nations and the Af-rican Union and its Commission. The establishment of the UNOAU and the physical manifestation of the step forward, do reflect that both the AUC and the UN remain steadfast in the commitment to move beyond pronouncements of coordination towards actual, real and tangible demonstration of a coordinated approach”.

Multifunctional capacityThe office supports political de-velopment monitoring by sharing political analysis and providing technical advice and support on: conflict prevention and media-tion; elections; disarmament, de-mobilization and reintegration; security sector reform and pub-lic information. It also provides technical advice to the AUC for long-term and ongoing peace-keeping or peace support op-

erations, particularly on military, police and mine action.

UNOAU assists the AUC in devel-oping administrative and man-agement processes to operation-ally support peace operations, including in the areas of human resources, finance, training, pro-curement, logistics and informa-tion technology.

In coordination with the AU, the Regional Economic Commissions and Regional Coordination Mech-anisms—UNOAU works with the UN special political missions and peacekeeping operations pro-viding support in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

With the AU Peace and Security Department, the office also co-chairs the Peace and Security Cluster, established in the frame-work of the AU Ten-Year Capac-ity-Building Programme to help coordinate UN family support in the area of peace and security.

UNOA

UJoint U

N-AU Technical Assessm

ent Mission. M

ogadishu, Som

alia, 13 December 2011. (U

N Photo)

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Mobilizing regional efforts for stability The United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) is the first UN regional special politi-cal mission dedicated to con-flict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. It also promotes good governance, the rule of law, human rights and gender mainstreaming.

The office facilitates a regional approach, addressing cross-bor-der and cross-cutting threats in 16 countries with a particular focus on election-related insta-bility, security sector reform, terrorism and transnational or-ganized crime, including illicit drug trafficking.

Given the growing regional di-mension of the threats to peace and stability, UNOWA focused its activities on a number of cross-cutting regional issues in 2011.

Together with the Economic Com-munity of West African States

(ECOWAS) and other regional partners, Said Djinnit, the Spe-cial Representative of the Secre-tary-General (SRSG) for West Af-rica, fostered political dialogue and consensus, for instance, by supporting the conclusion of the transition processes in Guinea and Niger. He also led preven-tive diplomacy actions, includ-ing in Burkina Faso and in Côte d’Ivoire.

As post-election violence has increasingly caused tensions in West Africa, the office under-took awareness-raising initia-tives on electoral processes.

From 18 to 20 May 2011, the office organized a regional con-ference in Praia, Cape Verde, on “Elections and Stability in West Africa,’’ in partnership with ECOW-AS, the African Union (AU) and the UN System. The conference analyzed the impact of electoral processes on subregional stabil-

ity and their implications for de-mocracy and peacebuilding. Best practices and lessons learned from recent elections in West Africa were exchanged, including from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea. The “Praia Declaration on Elections and Stability in West Africa” re-iterates key conditions for the conduct of peaceful elections, including the need to ensure na-tional ownership and consensus, effective electoral administra-tion and context-sensitive elec-toral assistance.

The declaration also provided a new opportunity for delegates from the sub-region to assist in the implementation of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Gover-nance. In actively disseminating the declaration’s recommenda-tions, West African civil society organizations are advocating for political rights and fair, peace-ful electoral processes.

UNOW

AWest Africa

Said Djinnit, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Am

adou Toumani Touré, President of M

ali and Ms Kyung

Wha Kang, Deputy H

igh Comm

isioner OHCH

R at the Regional Conference on Im

punity, Justice and Hum

an Rights. Bamako,

Mali, 2 Decem

ber 2011. (UN Photo/H

abib Kouyate)

3 9


Piracy in the GulfThe escalation of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has had a nega-tive impact on the economies of countries such as Benin and hinterland States that are served by its ports, while posing serious threats to maritime security. In response to a request for assis-tance made by President of Be-nin Boni Yayi, UNOWA teamed up with the UN Office in Central Africa (UNOCA) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as other UN entities to sup-port anti-piracy efforts by dis-patching an assessment mission to Benin and the Gulf of Guinea. The mission, from 7 to 24 No-vember, assisted the Government of Benin in the formulation of a national integrated programme to address the issues of drug-trafficking and organized crime; assessed the scope of the threat of piracy in Benin and the Gulf of Guinea region; and explored possible options for an effective UN response. Its findings will be reported to the Security Council in early 2012.

The functioning of effective and impartial justice systems has been another key challenge towards ensuring good gover-nance and the rule of law in West Africa.

From 2 to 5 December, a regional conference was held in Bamako, Mali, in the context of the 10th anniversary of the ECOWAS Pro-tocol on Good Governance. Orga-nized by UNOWA in collaboration with OHCHR and other UN enti-ties and supported by the Gov-ernment of Mali, ECOWAS, the AU and the International Organiza-

tion of the Francophonie, the conference aimed at promoting justice and combating impunity in the subregion.

At the end of the conference, a declaration was adopted provid-ing concrete recommendations to strengthen good governance and the rule of law with a view to preventing conflicts. The par-ticipants also adopted a region-al roadmap for justice, peace and stability in the subregion.

Organized crimeWeak rule of law and severe pov-erty in many West African coun-tries undermine efforts to combat organized crime and drug traf-ficking. Through the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI), UNOWA combined efforts with UNODC, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Interpol, ECOWAS, the Department of Political Affairs and UN peace missions in the re-gion to address this scourge.

Among other areas, WACI aims to build the capacity of national and regional law enforcement in-stitutions, border management and anti-money-laundering en-tities in the pilot countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Li-beria and Côte d’Ivoire.

UNOWA is tasked with aware-ness-raising, mobilizing politi-cal support and organizing ad-visory services.

Cameroon-Nigeria borderAs a result of SRSG Djinnit’s ef-forts as chairman of the Cam-eroon-Nigeria Mixed Commis-sion, the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the states’ territorial dispute has been implemented. To date, the par-ties have reached agreement on more than 1,700 km of an esti-mated 1,950 km of border be-tween the states.

In March, both parties also agreed on the delimitation of the maritime border, closing the issue during their meeting in Yaoundé.

Before its 10th anniversary, the Mixed Commission hopes to fi-nalize the demarcation process. The Secretary-General recently encouraged both the parties and the experts to speed up the momentum of their work in as-sessing the remaining 250-km land border and to consider out-standing issues.

Progress reviewed on Commission to Resolve Cameroon-Nigeria Border Dispute. At the podium: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre), from left: Said Djin-nit, his Special Representative for West Africa; Maurice Kamto, Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Justice of Cameroon; and Mohammed Bello Adoke, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nigeria. United Nations, New York, 22 November 2011. (UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras)

4 0


Cause for hope

It is all too easy to write Soma-lia off as an intractable problem. The country has been without a functioning Government for two decades. It remains fragmented and national leaders can seem to lack the commitment to make hard choices for real change.

Countless peace initiatives have produced a steady stream of agreements and a virulent insur-gency would have succeeded in occupying the capital Mogadi-shu if not for the 9,000-plus Af-rican Union peacekeepers pro-tecting the fragile Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

On the humanitarian side, a massive drought took tens of

thousands of lives. Millions are at risk and entire populations are on the move across bor-ders—threatening to destabi-lize the entire region.

Delivering assistance has been further complicated by insur-gent groups refusing to allow aid agencies into some of the hardest hit areas.

And yet, amidst this unimagina-ble suffering, for the first time in decades there is real hope for progress.

The RoadmapOn 9 June, TFG President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Speak-

er of the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan ended a politi-cal stalemate between the Ex-ecutive and the Legislature by signing the Kampala Accord, which was witnessed by Presi-dent Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga. A watershed in the peace pro-cess, it deferred elections for one year and provided for the establishment of a Roadmap for the way forward.

The Roadmap charts a clear course towards ending the tran-sitional period in August 2012. It sets out four benchmark pri-

UNPO

SSomalia

High Level Consultative m

eeting in Mogadishu, facilitated by U

NPOS, leading to the signing of the Roadm

ap for completing the transitional period. M

ogadishu, Som

alia, 6 September 2011. (U

N Photo)

4 1


ority tasks — security, consti-tution, reconciliation and good governance — and is based on the concept of transparency, in-clusiveness and Somali owner-ship of the process.

The document also establishes compliance mechanisms and makes it clear that future inter-national assistance is based on the Somalis following through on their commitments.

In early September, a Consulta-tive Meeting on Ending the Tran-sition in Somalia, facilitated by the United Nations Political Of-fice for Somalia (UNPOS), con-vened successfully in Mogadi-shu. The meeting, which would have been unthinkable just a few months before due to the security situation, brought to-gether high-level representa-tives of the Transitional Federal Institutions, the regional states of Puntland, Galmudug and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a, as well as most of the major interna-tional partners.

Having all major parties sign the Roadmap in Mogadishu rep-resented one of the brightest moments in the Somali peace process.

Despite this achievement, the international community re-mains realistic about the Road-map. As an ambitious plan with a tremendously challenging timetable, it needs the donor community to support it with the necessary resources. All sides must work together to en-

sure progress on the key deliver-ables, and maintaining political will is critical to success.

Political progress has been un-derpinned by major advances in the security situation, which, on 6 August, shifted radically when the Islamist militant orga-nization Al-Shabaab effectively withdrew from Mogadishu.

The extremists have since car-ried bloody terrorist attacks targeting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somalis alike, such as the suicide bombing of 4 October that killed some 100 civilians, including a number of students hoping to study abroad.

That same month, Kenyan Armed Forces moved across the Somali border. The TFG and Kenyan officials then issued a communiqué that the ac-tion supported the TFG, which would retain the lead in fight-ing the insurgents.

In November, Ethiopian forces reportedly entered Somalia to assist in the fight against ex-tremist elements.

Exploiting the withdrawal of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu presents AMISOM with a new set of challenges. While achiev-ing some remarkable successes, additional resources including personnel, logistics, intelli-gence and aviation will be re-quired to capitalize on these gains and also to face new threats.

Somalian pirates Piracy remains a hugely chal-lenging problem. From 1 Janu-ary to 1 November, 15 ships were captured, with 298 crew members held hostage.

Many ships now avoid the Somali coastline, taking longer routes that significantly raising their costs. Others use armed guards (Government approved, for ex-ample, on Italy and United King-dom ships) and take the risk.

An international maritime re-sponse is working in parallel to ongoing efforts to increase prosecutions for illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping. Ad-ditionally, a number of organi-zations have begun to address root causes on land.

While progress is incremental, the grave threat persists, both on land and at sea and Somalia remains one of the most chal-lenging issues on the interna-tional community’s agenda.

On 9 December, in a historic visit to Mogadishu, the Secre-tary-General reiterated his per-sonal commitment to work for sustainable peace. He stressed that only sustained engagement by all stakeholders will ensure that this golden opportunity for progress is fully seized. Soma-lis have waited long enough to realize the dream of a safe, se-cure, prosperous and democratic country at peace with itself and its neighbours.

4 2


Making progress on the path to peace In 2011, Burundi continued to make progress on a number of aspects of peace consolida-tion. The Government, with assistance from the United Na-tions Office in Burundi (BNUB) and other partners, undertook several initiatives to enhance democratic governance, in-cluding the establishment of independent institutions, the adoption of strategies reflect-ing national governance priori-ties and the strengthening of national capacities.

One major achievement was the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. The Commission is tasked with receiving and inves-tigating reports of human rights violations and requesting ap-

propriate follow-up by national authorities. It also prepares reports and makes recommen-dations on the overall human rights situation.

BNUB provided technical sup-port and advice throughout the process of discussing and later ratifying the law creating the Commission. Unanimously ad-opted by the National Assembly and the Senate on 14 and 24 December 2010 respectively, the law was promulgated by Burun-dian President Pierre Nkurunziza on 5 January 2011.

The National Assembly appoint-ed seven Commissioners, includ-ing Chairperson Frère Emmanuel Ntakarutimana, who were sworn in on 7 June 2011.

The Commission’s tasks will not be easy. Notwithstanding prog-ress recorded on a number of fronts, the human rights situa-tion in Burundi remains of con-cern. Restrictions continue to be reported in areas such as free-dom of expression and associa-tion and right to life and liberty.

Fortunately, the Commission has gotten off to a good start. By the end of 2011, it had al-ready documented and was in-vestigating some 50 cases of human rights violations. It was also drafting a three-year stra-tegic plan, developing a frame-work of cooperation with other national stakeholders and un-dertaking further institution-building endeavors.

BNUB

BurundiLaunch of a reintegration program

me for w

ar-affected populations in Bubanza on UN Day. Bubanza, Burundi, 24 October 2011. (UN Photo/M

ahamadou Coulibaly)

4 3


Mission supportThe Security Council estab-lished BNUB, effective 1 Janu-ary 2011, to replace the larger United Nations Integrated Of-fice in Burundi (BINUB). In addition to its work in setting up the National Independent Human Rights Commission, the mission plans to continue supporting the Commission to function productively and in full independence.

Along with promoting and pro-tecting human rights, among other tasks, BNUB is mandated to strengthen the capacities of key national institutions, pro-mote and facilitate dialogue between national actors and support efforts to fight impu-nity, particularly through es-tablishing transitional justice

mechanisms. The mission also aims to ensure that economic policies and strategies focus on peacebuilding and equitable growth.

BNUB’s light footprint and man-date reflect the nation’s prog-ress since peace negotiations brought an end to years of civil war and violence. However, con-tinued international support and assistance in peace consoli-dation, recovery and develop-ment remain vital.

As noted by the Secretary-Gen-eral in his most recent report to the Security Council, “Bu-rundi has in many ways provid-ed a model of transition from a peacekeeping operation to a special political mission and an integrated United Nations office”.

Indeed, BNUB intends to pre-pare benchmarks for its future evolution into a regular United Nations Country Team presence.

If overall progress continues, Burundi promises to be among those countries that definitively leave behind years of conflict and return to the path of devel-opment and democracy.

If overall progress contin-ues, Burundi promises to be among those countries that definitively leave be-hind years of conflict and return to the path of devel-opment and democracy.

Joint celebration of World Food Day, the International Day for the Eradication of Pov-

erty and the International Day of Rural Wom

en with (from

left) Stephane de Loecker, EU

Ambassador to Burundi, Odette Kayitesi, M

inister of Agriculture, Karin Landgren, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Gervais Rufyikiri, Second Vice-President. M

waro, Burundi, 18 October 2011. (U

N Photo/Maham

adou Coulibaly)

4 4


Assisting in national reconciliationA sizeable portion of the Cen-tral African Republic (CAR) is controlled by armed groups. Ethnic tensions in the north and northeast, and armed incur-sions by rebels, criminal groups and poachers from neighboring countries have also contributed to the internal displacement of 170,000 people.

Headed by the Special Represen-tative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for the Central African Republic, Mrs. Margaret Vogt of Nigeria, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) is mandated to assist

the CAR in consolidating peace and national reconciliation and promoting and protecting hu-man rights.

In September 2011, armed groups of the Convention des Pa-triotes pour la Justice et la Paix (CPJP) and the Union des Forces Démocratiques pour le Rassem-blement (UFDR) clashed in Bria, the capital of Haute-Kotto north-eastern province. On 8 October, the parties signed a ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the National Mediator, Archbishop Paulin Pomodimo, with the sup-port of BINUCA and the Depart-ment of Political Affairs (DPA).

Peace caravanIn order to further build con-fidence between belligerents and convey messages of peace, tolerance and reconciliation to communities affected by the conflict, the National Mediator launched on 14 November, in Bria, a six-day Peace and Rec-onciliation Caravan, with the participation of CPJP and UFDR leaders, Government and local officials, SRSG Vogt, the African Union (AU) Representative, and representatives from the sub-regional peacekeeping force (MICOPAX), as well as neighbor-ing Chad and Sudan.

BINU

CACentral African Republic

BINUCA supports Peace and Reconciliation Caravan w

here more than 4,000 people

march in favour of the ceasefire. Bria, Central African Republic, 14 Novem

ber 2011. (U

N Photo/Franck Bitemo)

4 5


From 16 to 19 November, the Caravan visited five other towns

in three north-eastern prov-inces, including Sam Ouandja (Haute-Kotto province), Birao, Sikikede and Tiringoulou (Vaka-ga province) and Ndele (Bamin-gui-Bangoran province). More than 25,000 people participated in the Peace and Reconciliation Caravan, a majority of whom were women. BINUCA played an instrumental role through the

provision of logistical support to the Caravan.

Everywhere, the National Me-diator stated in the national language of Sango that peace was the most important asset, “Siriri ayeke kota mossoro”. He urged Central Africans to sup-port the peace process to fos-ter trust, tolerance and broth-erhood because there would be no development without peace and harmony first. He also ac-knowledged the courage and wisdom the belligerents’ lead-ers displayed in signing the ceasefire agreement.

While CPJP and UFDR leaders lamented that the CAR Govern-ment had not made necessary

efforts to restore state authority in the northeast, they also called for a speedy disarmament, demo-bilization and reintegration pro-cess for CPJP combatants and an effective reintegration of UFDR combatants, and pledged to live up to their commitment to re-nounce violence.

More than 25,000 people participated in the Peace and Reconciliation Caravan

SRSG Margaret Vogt and AU

Special Representative Haw

a Ahmed Youssouf, at the launch of

the Peace and Reconciliation Caravan. Bria, Central African Republic, 14 November 2011.

(UN Photo/Franck Bitem

o)

4 6


Battling the Lord’s Resistance Army

Strengthened working relations with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union (AU) is vital for the United Na-tions Regional Office for Cen-tral Africa (UNOCA) in fighting armed groups spreading terror throughout the sub-region.

One of the main areas of con-cern for UNOCA is the threat posed by the Lord’s Resis-tance Army (LRA), which, since 2008, has killed over 2,400 people, abducted more than 3,400. Additionally, according to UN sources, approximately

440,000 persons are now con-sidered displaced or as refu-gees due to the LRA. During the last six months of 2011, two countries under the pur-view of UNOCA, the Central Af-rican Republic and the Demo-cratic Republic of Congo, have, respectively, seen more than 21,000 (between January 2010 and October 2011) and 49,000 (between January and August 2011) of their citizens affected by the activities of the LRA.

“No one can afford to remain indifferent to the atrocities of the LRA. The LRA continues

to pose serious challenges for peace and security in the sub-region and is responsible for an acute humanitarian crisis in Central Africa”, underlined Mr. Abou Moussa, the Special Representative of the Secre-tary-General (SRSG) for Central Africa and Head of UNOCA. “We need everyone’s support to stop this menace”, he noted.

On 14 November 2011, SRSG Moussa presented the Report of Secretary-General on the LRA to the Security Council. He consid-ers the LRA as a “serious trans-national threat” that continues

Central AfricaDuring the U

N Day exhibition in Libreville, UNOCA sensitized visitors on its m

andate. Libreville, Gabon, 24 October 2011. (U

N Photo/Norbert N. Ouendji)UN

OCA

4 7


to negatively impact the devel-opment of communities in the sub-region.

Members of the Security Coun-cil commended SRSG Moussa’s leadership and reiterated their support to UNOCA’s work to promote peace and security in Central Africa.

In an effort to enhance infor-mation-sharing, US diplomat and Senior UN Political Advisor Jeffrey DeLaurentis expressed hope that “UNOCA will work to establish focal points in all UN missions in LRA-affected areas and in the UN Office to the Afri-can Union”.

SRSG Moussa has already initi-ated consultations with relevant partners. From 11 to 14 Decem-ber 2011, he held productive meetings in Addis Ababa (Ethi-opia) with several stakeholders, including Mr. Francisco Caetano José Madeira, Special Envoy of the African Union (AU) on the LRA issue. SRSG Moussa briefed the latter on UNOCA’s mandate to coordinate UN ef-forts on the LRA as requested in the Presidential Statement of the 14 November 2011 Secu-rity Council session on the LRA and to encourage cooperation between UNOCA and the AU on this issue.

The Council underlined the ne-cessity of joint actions to address the humanitarian aspects of the threat. The work programme prepared by UNOCA takes into account those concerns, which were also discussed during a

seminar organized in Libreville, Gabon, by UNOCA, from 10 to 11 October 2011. It highlights the importance of expanding programmes of defection, disar-mament, demobilisation, repatri-ation, reintegration and resettle-ment; building regional capacity to respond to the LRA; imple-menting International Criminal Court arrest warrants; protecting children’s rights; monitoring hu-man rights; and developing a re-gional strategy for international humanitarian, development and peacebuilding assistance in the LRA-affected area.

Fighting piracyApart from the LRA and other armed groups that spread ter-ror throughout Central Africa, fighting piracy and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea is another important priority for UNOCA. This issue, amongst others, was raised by govern-ment authorities in the sub-region in the countries visited by SRSG Moussa between July and November 2011. Emphasis was consistently placed on defi-ciencies in coast guard training and difficulties related to equip-ment and infrastructure, financ-ing and early warning mecha-nisms. Better coordination and improved communication and information exchange were also highlighted as crucial.

SRSG Moussa encourages a stra-tegic and integrated approach “to resolve border disputes and prevent maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea”. He believes that no effort should be spared

to “implement UNOCA’s man-date on conflict prevention and peace-building”.

At the request of Benin Presi-dent Yayi Boni, whose country’s economy has been affected by piracy, the Secretary-General deployed an assessment mis-sion to the Gulf of Guinea from 7 to 24 November 2011. The team examined the scope of the threat and provided recom-mendations on an anti-piracy strategy. The leaders of ECCAS Member States, including the affected countries in the sub-region — Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe – welcomed UNOCA’s participation and look forward to working together to tackle this challenge.

During the 33rd Meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Secu-rity Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), which was held in Bangui from 5 to 8 December 2011, Cameroon offered to host an international conference on maritime piracy. In close co-operation with UNSAC Member States, UNOCA, as the UNSAC secretariat since May 2011, will follow up on initiatives in this area. UNOCA’s mandate also in-cludes helping to strengthen the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in the areas of conflict preven-tion and peacemaking.

4 8


Political logjam in a changing region Amidst 2011 transformations in the Middle East, the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) focused on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. While a political solution has become more urgent for both Is-rael and the Palestinians, prog-ress towards realizing the vision of two States living side by side in peace has been elusive.

As the only international Middle East peace envoy permanently on the ground, UN Special Coordina-tor Robert Serry maintains close contact with both Palestinian and Israeli counterparts. While UNSCO has been able to allevi-ate tensions, the mutual lack of confidence has prevented the re-sumption of direct negotiations.

Working closely with Quartet partners, Mr. Serry actively par-ticipated in a series of separate meetings with both parties. Quar-tet Principals met in February and again in summer to create an en-vironment conducive for talks. By September, the Quartet proposed steps towards reaching an agree-ment before the end of 2012, on the basis of which the parties agreed to engage.

By end-December, Quartet en-voys were in the midst of fur-ther meetings with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to facilitate the resumption of meaningful direct negotiations. However, disputes over expand-ed Israeli settlements in the oc-

cupied Palestinian territory and deepening mistrust between the parties continued to bedevil the effort.

UNSCO and the UN Country Team, alongside other donors and international actors, have worked closely with the Pales-tinian Authority on its ambi-tious reform and revitalization programme.

UNSCO reports of April and Sep-tember underscored that in areas where the UN is most engaged, governmental functions were sufficient for a viable State gov-ernment. Yet, Mr. Serry highlight-ed his concern at the growing disconnect between stagnation in the peace process and the state-building achievements of the Palestinian Authority. Ad-dressing the Security Council in July, Mr. Serry stressed, “Without

a credible political path forward, accompanied by more far-reach-ing steps on the ground, the vi-ability of the Palestinian Author-ity and its state-building agenda – and, I fear, of the two-State solution itself – cannot be taken for granted”.

International recognitionIn the absence of negotiations, Palestinian President Abbas sub-mitted on 23 September an ap-plication for UN membership. On 31 October, UNESCO voted the Palestinians into its organization.

In reaction, Israel temporarily withheld tax revenues of the Palestinian Authority and fur-ther expanded settlement ac-tivities – including in East Je-rusalem – in contravention of international law and its Road-map obligations.

UNSC

OMiddle East

UN Special Coordinator Serry meets Palestinian w

omen in a grocery

store. Hebron, West Bank, 25 January 2011. (UN Photo)

4 9


The Secretary-General consis-tently stressed that an indepen-dent and viable Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace with a secure State of Israel is long overdue. He also underlined the necessity of negotiations to re-solve all permanent status is-sues and remained focused on de-escalating tensions.

Turning to GazaIn coordination with other re-gional players, UNSCO intensi-fied preventive diplomacy over Gaza. Dangerous escalations in April, August and November saw Israel and the de facto Hamas authorities utilizing UNSCO channels to support Egyptian efforts to restore calm.

UNSCO supported efforts to se-cure the release of Israeli sol-dier Gilad Shalit and Palestin-ian prisoners. In October, the Secretary-General welcomed the resolution of this humanitarian issue under Egypt’s auspices.

The year witnessed a gener-al increase in the amount of goods passing from Israel into Gaza and a small amount of ex-ports from the territory. Israel approved some $265 million in UN projects. Still below the pre-blockade averages, eco-nomic activity there accelerat-ed and unemployment dropped since 2010.

The sustainability of this prog-ress, however, is uncertain. The

situation of the civilian popula-tion in Gaza remains worrisome, with high poverty and a signifi-cant proportion of inhabitants dependent on humanitarian as-sistance. Furthermore, security concerns over weapons smug-gling continue. Working towards lifting the closure and fully im-plementing Security Council res-olution 1860 (2009) will remain a high priority in 2012.

While UNSCO facilitated dia-logue between Palestinian in-terlocutors in Gaza and Ramal-lah to overcome the internal Palestinian divide, finalization of key provisions of the Pales-tinian unity agreement signed in May remains outstanding. In the year ahead, the mission will continue to support rec-onciliation efforts within the framework of the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Or-ganization, the positions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative.

UNSCO also worked to preserve space for international non-governmental organizations in Gaza amidst attempts by the

de facto authorities to impose restrictions. In May, Mr. Serry facilitated the performance of a classical music concert by UN Messenger for Peace Dan-iel Barenboim. The gesture of peace and solidarity touched people both within and outside of Gaza.

Regional impactIn May and June, violent clash-es occurred between Israeli forces and Palestinians living in Lebanon and Syria along the Blue Line in the occupied Syr-ian Golan.

As regional peace and security is increasingly challenged by such inter-connected incidents, coordination efforts between UN political and peacekeep-ing operations and UN Country Teams in the Middle East were stepped up. In June, Mr. Serry organized a meeting of the vari-ous UN presences in the region to address these challenges.

As regional dynamics remain volatile, particularly with the escalating political and human rights crisis in Syria, efforts continued to support the funda-mental rights and needs of the people across the region.

In this difficult context, push-ing for a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Pales-tinians will remain a key chal-lenge and objective of UNSCO in 2012.

“An independent and viable Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace with a secure State of Israel is long overdue”.

5 0


Calming a volatile environmentDespite a number of serious po-litical and security challenges during 2011, Lebanon success-fully maintainined general sta-bility and a relative degree of calm. The Office of the Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UN-SCOL) contributed to this by engaging with all sides in the country to assist in calming tensions and maintaining the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, in line with the Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

The Special Coordinator also continued to carry out good offices work on behalf of the Secretary-General by assist-ing Lebanese parties to reach

consensus-based solutions to contentious issues.

Addressing challengesAt the beginning of the year, Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s government of national unity collapsed, leaving a political vacuum for almost five months. Throughout this period of un-certainty, Special Coordinator Michael Williams, who repre-sented the UN Secretary-Gen-eral in Lebanon until the end of his tenure in October 2011, stressed the need for a Govern-ment that could “ensure the stability and security of Leba-non and fulfill the needs of its citizens”. A new Government,

consisting largely of parties from the 8 March coalition, was formed by Prime Minister Na-jib Mikati in June. It has since managed to make progress on a number of key areas, including a plan to solve Lebanon’s long-standing electricity shortages and establishing a legal frame-work to allow the exploitation of potential oil and gas reserves located offshore in the Mediter-ranean.

One of the most challenging is-sues for Lebanon during 2011 was its relationship with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), an international tribu-nal established under Security Council resolution 1757 (2007)

UNSC

OLLebanon

UN Special Coordinator M

ichael William

s meets Lebanese Prim

e Minister Najib M

ikati in Beirut. Beirut, Lebanon, 22 February 2011. (U

N Photo/Dalati and Nohra)

5 1


to bring to justice those re-sponsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others. Tensions over the STL reached a climax in June 2011 with the indictment of four individuals allegedly af-filiated with Hezbullah. Special Coordinator Williams actively reached out to all Lebanese parties, encouraging them to maintain calm and stability and to enable Lebanon to meet all its international obligations, ir-respective of the views of indi-vidual parties on the STL. But in late November, amidst renewed political tension, Prime Minister Mikati announced that he had transferred Lebanon’s share of the STL’s budget, in accordance with Lebanon’s international obligations. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Deputy Spe-cial Coordinator and UNSCOL Of-ficer-in-Charge Robert Watkins, welcomed this important step.

Testing the climateIn addition to helping maintain Lebanon’s domestic stability, UNSCOL was concerned with how the regional climate might affect the implementation of

Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). Clashes along the Blue Line between a number of Palestinian demonstrators and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on 15 May resulted in the death of several Palestinians. Stabil-ity along the Blue Line was also tested by two rocket-firing inci-dents from south Lebanon into Israel later in the year.

Most disconcertingly, there were three attacks on patrols of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in May, July and December 2011, raising concerns over the safety and security of UN peacekeepers. Meeting with both Israeli and Lebanese interlocutors, Special Coordinator Williams, Deputy Watkins and UNIFIL Force Com-mander General Alberto Asarta Cuevas, worked in close coor-dination to return security to south Lebanon.

Coordinating UNCT workAs mandated by the Secretary-General, UNSCOL also continued to coordinate all aspects of the UN work in Lebanon and to pro-vide political guidance to the UN Country Team.

UNSCOL has worked with the 24 agencies, funds and programmes represented in Lebanon to en-sure the UN family’s help in de-veloping the country’s political and security environment and also in attaining socio-econom-ic development and prosperity, full respect for human rights,

and improved conditions for some 400,000 Palestinians liv-ing in 12 official refugee camps in the country. UNSCOL Officer-in-Charge Watkins continued to improve senior-level coopera-tion and coordination with the Government of Lebanon through the offices of the President of the Republic, Prime Minister and Speaker.

Encouraging dialogue through-out Lebanon’s diverse commu-nities and promoting the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) will remain at the heart of UNSCOL’s efforts in the year ahead.

Encouraging dialogue throughout Lebanon’s diverse communities remains at the heart of UNSCOL’s efforts

The Secretary-General welcomed Lebanon transfering its share of STL budget in November 2011

5 2


Simple instructions save livesTwo years ago, instructions given by the United Nations In-terim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) saved Hussein Abu Raya’s life.

The 15-year-old school drop-out used the skills he learned from a mine and cluster bomb awareness session by UNIFIL instructors to escape becoming a victim of the many thousands of unexploded ordnance (UXO)strewn over many parts of south Lebanon, almost five years after the end of the conflict.

The incident happened near the village of Hinniyeh one morn-ing when Hussein set out, as usual, on his old motorcycle headed to work in the neigh-bouring town of Qlayleh. As he manoeuvred his way slowly along a side road snaking amid citrus and banana groves, he spotted a strange object at the side of the road.

The boy pulled over and careful-ly approached the spot. “When I saw the white tape on which the body was suspended, I became certain that it was a cluster bomb”, he recalled.

Hussein quickly stepped back, jumped on his motorbike and headed out to the main road. He bumped into a UNIFIL Ital-ian patrol that happened to be passing by.

He hailed the troops who spoke no Arabic. He pointed with his

hand to the place of the bomb, shouting, “Bam Bam Bam”. Mo-tioning the peacekeepers to follow him, he was able to lead the troops to the location.

“What if these peacekeepers do not possess enough equipment to dismantle the bomb or set it off”, Hussein thought. Worried about what might happen next, Hussein headed to the nearest Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) position on the outskirts of Hin-niyeh and informed the soldiers about what he had seen.

The local commander dispatched a patrol, which teamed up with the UNIFIL unit to seal off the area and detonate a number of cluster bombs found there.

Hussein managed to distinguish the cluster bomb thanks to the information he picked up from the awareness session provided by UNIFIL.

Speaking outside his family home in Hinniyeh, Hussein said two years ago, when he was still attending school, LAF and UNIFIL would make periodic visits to explain to students

the dangers of cluster bombs and mines that were strewn throughout the countryside from the 2006 war.

“I still remember how the inter-preter was strictly telling us: ‘Do not approach. Do not touch. In-form the nearest LAF or UNIFIL position’”, he recalled.

While Hussein was repeating the interpreter’s instructions, his four older brothers echoed the same phrase just like a cho-rus: “Do not approach. Do not touch. Inform the nearest LAF or UNIFIL position”.

Hussein said that when he spot-ted the bomb that morning, he clearly remembered the instruc-tions he learned at school.

UNIFI

LLebanon

Instructions not to approach cluster bombs and mines saved a boy’s life

Hussein Abu Raya at the cluster bom

b discovery area. Hinniyeh,

Lebanon, 14 December 2011. (U

N Photo/Pasqual Gorriz Marcos)

5 3


DeminingMine infestation remains a challenge in southern Lebanon, where UXO, particularly cluster munitions left over from the 2006 conflict, have claimed 28 civilian lives and 263 civilian injuries in the area since the end of the war. Furthermore, during mine clearance opera-tions 14 de-miners, including two from UNIFIL, have been killed and 49 injured, including five UNIFIL de-miners.

Since 2006, UNIFIL demin-ing teams have contributed to demining around 4.8 million square metres of affected land and have destroyed more than 34,000 UXO and mines in south-ern Lebanon. Additionally, UNI-FIL regularly conducts activities aimed at raising public aware-

ness of the dangers of explosive remnants of war.

Facing the dangers of cluster bombs is just part of Husse-in’s tragic upbringing. He was born a refugee to Palestinian parents who settled in Hinni-yeh, north-east of Naqoura, in southernmost Lebanon. Hus-sein had to drop out of school to work to support his family and help pay for medical treat-ment for his father’s work-related eye injury. Hussein’s four brothers also dropped out of school and moved into the work force. His two sisters, un-able to continue their educa-tion, opted to marry and move out. Due to pressing needs, Hussein ended up working with his brothers in a pit, turning timber and branches into char-coal for domestic use.

His face blackened by soot, Hussein said he also picked up some information on clus-ter bombs and mines from his elder brother, Ali, who works for a Norwegian mine clearance team in southern Lebanon. He said Ali always brought home awareness publications and ex-plained to his brothers how to act if they spotted any strange objects.

Although Hussein dropped out of school at an early age, when the peacekeepers explained the dangers of bombs, Hus-sein proved that he deserved a chance to continue his stud-ies. The pictures and words that he saw and heard in the awareness session stuck in his memory, and the result was that his life and that of others were saved.

UNIFIL Peacekeeper dem

ines near the Blue Line demarcating the Israeli-Lebanese

border. Maroon Al-Rass, Lebanon, 23 April 2011 (U

N Photo/Pasqual Gorriz)

5 4


Thirty-seven years of engagementThe United Nations Disengage-ment Observer Force (UNDOF) was established by Security Council resolution 350 on 31 May 1974 and its mandate has been renewed biannually ever since.

The mission maintains the Israe-li-Syrian ceasefire on the Golan, supervises the parties’ compli-ance with the terms of the Dis-engagement Agreement and

oversees the areas of separation and limitation between both forces as provided in the Agree-ment. The Observer Group Golan (OGG), composed of military ob-servers from the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), assists UNDOF in im-plementing its mandate.

As of 31 December 2011, the 1,043 troops of UNDOF com-

prises 378 from Austria, 346 from the Philippines, 190 from India, 95 from Croatia, 31 from Japan and 3 from Canada, as well as 144 national and in-ternational civilian employees. Fifteen personnel are employed by Japan in the capacity of na-tional support. In addition, 76 military observers from UNTSO assist the force in carrying out its tasks.

UNDO

FMiddle East

Sharm al-Sheikh

Al Jizah

Al Ismā’īlīyyah

Dumyāt

¸At Tur¸

Paphos Limassol

Suez

Al Minyā

Al Fayyūm

BanhaAz Zaqāzīq

TantaAl Mansurah

Kafr ash ShaykhPort Said

Banī Suwayf

At Tafilah

el-GorahAl Qatrānah¸

Al Humaydah

Beersheba

Gaza

Rafah

Jerusalem

Az Zarqā'

NetanyaAl Mafraq

IrbidDar'āNazareth

As Suwaydā'Haifa

Sur (Tyre)Al Qunaytirah

TripoliHims

Nabatiye et TahtaCamp Faouar

Hebron

Al 'AqabahElat

Al Qantarah¸Al 'Arīsh

Ramallah¯¯

Sayda¸

Cairo

Amman

Damascus

Beirut

S Y R I A N A R A BR E P U B L I C

J O R D A N

ISRAEL

E G Y P T

S I N A I

LEBANON

C Y P R U S

Mediterranean Sea

Gu

l f o

f A

qa

ba

Gu

l f o f S u e z

Great BitterLake

DeadSea

Jord

an R

iver

LakeTiberias

Suez Canal

N ile

Riv

er

R e d S e a

HQ UNTSO05/1948

HQ UNIFIL 03/1978 HQ UNDOF

05/1974

CO UNTSO05/1948

CO UNTSO05/1948

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Taba¯ ¯

Ma'ān

Sharm al-Sheikh

Naqoura

Map No. 4465.10 UNITED NATIONSSeptember 2011

Department of Field SupportCartographic Section

WESTBANK

GAZA

GOLAN

DGRO

The designations employed and the presentation of material on thismap do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on thepart of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legalstatus of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities orconcerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

FCHQ

CO

HQ

International boundaryArmistice Demarcation LineNational capitalTownHeadquarters

Force Commander HQ

Director General Representative Office

Country Office

Dates below the abbreviated mission namesrepresent dates of effect (for UN missions)and start dates (for non-UN missions).

Middle East Region

UNIFIL and UNDOF area of operation

0 50 100

50 0 100 mi

150 km

5 5


Throughout the year, the cease-fire was maintained and UND-OF’s area of operation remained generally quiet. However, anti-Government demonstrations oc-curred in several villages in the area of limitation on the Syrian (Bravo) side.

By means of fixed positions and patrols, UNDOF supervised the area of separation to exclude military forces of either party. Additionally, OGG carried out fortnightly inspections of equip-ment and force levels within ar-eas of limitation.

Restrictions on freedom of movementBoth sides continued to deny in-spection teams access to some of their positions, as well as to impose restrictions on the force’s freedom of movement. From late April through December, OGG teams encountered restrictions

of movement in the southern and central parts of the area of limitation on the Syrian side. Syrian authorities denied access, ostensibly for reasons of safety and security of the military ob-servers.

Major incidents occurred in UNDOF’s area of operation on 15 May and 5 June, when dem-onstrations commemorating the anniversaries of “Al-Nakba” and “An-Naksa”, respectively, resulted

in civilian casualties and put the long-held ceasefire in jeopardy.

Assisting on the groundUNDOF continued to assist the International Committee of the Red Cross with the passage of civilians through the area of separation, mainly pilgrims, students and humanitarian crossings and provided medical treatment to civilians.

UNTSO: A stabilizing presenceThe United Nations Truce Su-pervision Organization (UNTSO) was established in 1948 to su-pervise the truce between Is-rael and its Arab neighbours: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Among other obligations, UNTSO maintains engagement with the parties to the 1949 Armistice Agreements and continues to deploy trained and skilled mili-

tary observers to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Disengagement Observ-er Force (UNDOF) to support the implementation of the mis-sions’ mandates.

Consistent with its regional mandate, UNTSO continued to maintain liaison offices in Bei-rut, Lebanon, Damascus, Syria, and, at the request of the Gov-ernment of Egypt, Ismailia.

Since May, Head of Mission and Chief of Staff Major-Gen-eral Juha Kilpiä of Finland has maintained relations with mili-tary and political authorities in the region. This offers him a regional perspective on domes-tic and regional developments that may impact on the status and the work of UN peacekeep-ing and other operations in the Middle East.

UNTS

OU

NDOF peacekeepers consult a map w

hile on pa-trol in the area of operation. Golan H

eights, Syria, 26 August 2011. (U

N Photo/Wolfgang Grebien)

5 6


At a crossroads: Challenges and opportunities The withdrawal of the United States Forces in Iraq was one of the most significant devel-opments in 2011, opening a new phase in the country’s re-cent history.

While Iraq regains full sover-eignty, the country continued to face numerous challenges throughout the year, including with national reconciliation, economic development and de-livery of social services, human rights, security and governance. During 2011, the United Na-tions Assistance Mission for Iraq

(UNAMI) focused on facilitat-ing political dialogue, promot-ing human rights and the rule of law, as well as building the ca-pacity of Iraq’s electoral system and supporting the country’s development priorities.

At the political level, however, several contentious issues re-mained unresolved, such as Government formation, issues related to Disputed Internal Boundaries (DIBs), including the status of Kirkuk, and the need for Iraq to fulfill its out-standing Security Council reso-

lutions’ obligations pertaining to Kuwait.

Fostering dialogueIn response to these challenges, in March 2011, UNAMI estab-lished a Standing Consultative Mechanism (SCM) with repre-sentatives from the three main political blocs to address out-standing issues.

Throughout the year, SCM mem-bers discussed power-sharing, preparing the way for provin-cial elections in Kirkuk and the

UNAM

IIraq

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Martin Kobler (left) m

eets with

Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari. Baghdad, Iraq, 9 October 2011. (UN Photo)

5 7


holding of a national census. It also considered the future of the Combined Security Mecha-nism (CSM), whereby, through joint checkpoints and patrol, Iraqi Government security forc-es, Kurdish security forces and United States troops jointly su-pervised disputed areas.

Building the capacity of Iraq’s electoral system was yet an-other focus area of the mis-sion. UNAMI led UN efforts to strengthen the professional apti-tude of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission. Most no-tably, it advised the Council of Representatives on the selection process for new commissioners, facilitating future electoral pro-cesses and enhancing transpar-ency and credibility.

Technical advisors supported key areas, including preparing and managing electoral events, legally resolving electoral dis-putes and conducting security and public outreach.

On human rights, despite some improvement, UNAMI remained concerned about armed vio-lence, administration of justice and law enforcement, impunity, freedom of expression, women’s and children’s rights and attacks against minorities. To address these concerns, UNAMI assisted the Government in es-tablishing an Iraqi Independent High Commission for Human Rights. While the law establish-ing the Commission was passed in 2008, it has not been imple-mented. In 2011, UNAMI and other international partners

continued to advocate for its full implementation.

The mission also facilitated a consultative process with na-tional and international stake-holders and human rights ex-perts on the National Action Plan on Human Rights, which encapsulates key recommenda-tions agreed to by consensus.

In 2011, UNAMI also continued to foster dialogue on the rights of Iraq’s various communities through such activities as the forum on “Legislative Framework for the Protection of the Rights of the Ethnic and Religious Com-munities/Components in Iraq”.

Supporting peopleAnother highlight was Iraq’s first United Nations Develop-ment Assistance Framework. This key development docu-ment focuses on governance and human rights, inclusive economic growth, essential services delivery, the environ-ment and empowering women, children and youth.

UNAMI and the UN Country Team continued to work to-gether on social safety nets, integrated water resource man-agement and conducting cen-sus and civil registration.

With the closure of the Office for the Coordination of Hu-manitarian Affairs in Iraq, the mission took on a greater role in humanitarian issues, empha-sizing civilian protection, the status of internally displaced persons and border monitoring.

For DIBs, UNAMI and the UN Country Team developed a joint strategy for integrated hu-manitarian and development interventions that targeted vul-nerable populations in those disputed areas.

In the South, UNAMI helped bring together key stakehold-ers for a national conference on the Iraqi marshlands. The adoption of the “Basrah Decla-ration”, or the National Action Plan for the Marshlands, forms the basis for future revitaliza-tion of this part of Iraq’s eco-system and heritage.

Despite numerous gains, ob-stacles remain to a stable and prosperous future for Iraqis. The challenges ahead are complex and multifaceted. Martin Kobler, the Special Representative for the Secretary-General and new Head of UNAMI said, “while challenges may lie ahead, the departure of United States forc-es will mark an opportunity for all Iraqis to come together and build the Iraq that they can all be proud of”.

In October, Mr. Kobler of Ger-many replaced Mr. Ad Melkert of the Netherlands, who had served in Iraq since July 2009.

Building the capacity of Iraq’s electoral system was another focus of the mission

5 8


Building a new country

The aftermath of the conflict in Libya left a daunting set of responsibilities resting on the shoulders of the country’s new authorities. These include: providing public security and employing former revolu-tionary fighters; organizing elections and drafting a new constitution; creating a pro-fessional military and rebuild-ing its police force; addressing the human rights crimes of Libya’s past while promoting national reconciliation; con-trolling the spread of weap-ons; and revitalizing Libya’s oil-based economy.

Interim authorities have strong-ly emphasized to the inter-

national community that the Libyans themselves will lead the rebuilding effort. At the same time, they have reached out to the United Nations to provide support and expertise in a num-ber of these areas, and to help coordinate outside assistance.

Mission deployedThe UN efforts on the ground are led by the United Nations Sup-port Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), a political mission managed by the Department of Political Af-fairs. Since its deployment in September 2011, just weeks af-ter the fall of Tripoli, the mis-sion, under the leadership of veteran UN envoy Ian Martin,

has been gradually stepping up its assistance in many realms. The pace and intensity of the mission’s work is expected to increase further in 2012, while still carried out by a relatively light civilian presence.

Martin, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Lib-ya, led the extensive UN post-conflict planning for Libya, and was in attendance when the country’s “liberation” was declared on 23 October. Since that momentous event, mark-ing the end of the fighting and beginning of the post-conflict phase, important progress has been made.

UNSM

ILLibya

Students participating in the first human rights w

orkshop organized by the United Nations in Libya. Tripoli, Libya, 21 Decem

ber 2011. (UN Photo)

5 9


The formation of an Inter-im Government and cabinet headed by Prime Minister Dr. Abdurrahim El-Keib constitut-ed an early milestone in the detailed transitional political process envisioned by Libya’s new authorities.

Concrete steps were also taken toward forming a national army and police force to maintain public security and guard Lib-ya’s vast borders. The National Transitional Council (NTC) and Interim Government convened the first national reconciliation conference in December 2011, and had begun drafting propos-als on transitional justice.

While significant economic pol-icy decisions will not likely be made until after elections and many challenges remain, eco-nomic chaos has been averted, and recovery from the collapse in oil production has been fast-er than initially foreseen.

Obstacles aheadStill, numerous hurdles remain and public expectations are mounting.

Tensions have run high over the presence of militias in the streets, pending the integration of some 75,000 former fighters into the government security forces or civilian life.

As the year drew to a close, dis-parate groups who had fought in the struggle against Colonel Qaddafi remained in control of key areas of the country. UNSMIL prepared support to Libya’s

leaders in this area, drawing on the considerable experience of the UN in such matters.

Elections are another huge chal-lenge. After four decades under strongman rule, Libya has vir-tually no modern experience in holding democratic polls.

UNSMIL has worked closely with the new authorities to provide advice on drafting electoral legislation and on establishing an electoral com-mission. If credible elections for a national congress are to be held by June 2012, issues such as the choice of electoral system, the eligibility of candi-dates, voter lists and possible special measures for women and other groups will first have to be settled.

In December, the Security Council expanded UNSMIL’s mandate to include assisting and supporting Libyan national efforts to address the prolifera-tion of arms, ammunition and explosive remnants of war. The change reflected concerns both internationally and within the region that weapons — includ-ing man-portable surface to air missiles, or MANPADs — could fall into dangerous hands.

The mission has also encour-aged prompt action by the in-ternational community to free up billions of dollars in Libyan assets that had been frozen as a measure against the former re-gime. This liquidity is critically needed by Libya’s authorities to address the many post-war chal-lenges they face.

Humanitarian effortsUNSMIL has also kept a close eye on the plight of detainees and the treatment of migrant workers, urging the improve-ment of detention conditions and a proper and swift review of all cases, leading to release or fair trial.

In visits to cities that suffered during the war, among them Misrata, Zawiyah, Zintan and Ye-fren, as well as Benghazi, where the revolution was sparked on 17 February 2011, SRSG Martin has met with Libyans from a broad spectrum of society. He has emphasized the importance of civil society’s role and the empowerment and inclusion of women, while stressing that UN assistance will be guided by na-tional priorities.

Building an inclusive democ-racy in Libya will take time and patience, but Libyans have shown they have the where-withal to succeed.

This article was adapted from the UN Department of Politi-cal Affairs newsletter Politically Speaking.

6 0


Planning the withdrawalTimor-Leste saw a number of encouraging developments over the past year. On 27 March, in a key event, the national po-lice of Timor-Leste (PNTL) re-sumed responsibility for the conduct, command and control of all police operations in the country. The police role of the United Nations Integrated Mis-sion in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) has since focused on provid-ing further support for institu-tional development and PNTL capacity-building, based on the PNTL-UNMIT Police Joint Development Plan. However, it maintains a capacity to provide operational support, if required and requested, including dur-ing the 2012 electoral period. It is reassuring that, following

the PNTL’s resumption of polic-ing responsibilities, the overall low crime rate has remained largely unchanged, and general stability and calm have pre-vailed throughout the country.

With intense campaigning and rising tensions, the upcoming 2012 presidential and parlia-mentary elections, could pose a test for the PNTL, which continues to face logistical constraints. It is, however, en-couraging that Timorese lead-ers have continued to engage in dialogue. It is noteworthy that at an important dialogue initiative (“Maubisse II”) facili-tated by the Bishop of Baucau on 26 July 2011, political lead-ers agreed on the importance

of ensuring stability during the electoral process. Concern-ing preparations for the 2012 elections, significant progress has been made by the national electoral management bodies, with integrated assistance from UNMIT and the United Nations country team.

Parliament continued to serve as a vital forum for democratic debate. On 28 January, after two weeks of debate, it approved the 2011 State budget of $1.3 billion. On 11 July, Parliament also approved the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan for 2011-2030, which sets out economic growth and poverty reduction strategies covering the vital areas of social capital,

UNMI

TTimor-Leste

UN Police and their national counterparts conduct a foot patrol in Makadade on

market day. Atauro, Tim

or-Leste, 24 August 2011. (UN Photo/Martine Perret)

6 1


infrastructure and economic development.

In the justice sector, progress continued to be made in tran-sitioning international legal actors from their operational functions to advisory roles. An additional four national judges (one woman), five public de-fenders and five prosecutors were sworn in on 16 May 2011, raising the total to 25 judges (five women), 21 prosecutors (five women) and 18 public de-fenders (three women). Under the supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor-General, the UNMIT Serious Crimes Investi-gation Team continued its in-vestigations into cases relating to crimes against humanity and other serious crimes committed between 1 January and 25 Octo-ber 1999.

Planning the withdrawalGiven the generally calm secu-rity situation, positive political climate and commitment to a peaceful electoral process, UN-MIT, jointly with the Govern-ment, has been proceeding with the transition process, planning for the Mission’s expected de-parture by the end of 2012.

As agreed at the 2 February 2011 meeting of the High-level Committee on Transition (in-cluding, among others, Govern-ment and UNMIT representa-tives), in February 2011 seven joint technical working groups (composed of Government and United Nations focal points) began to develop a joint transi-tion plan. The working groups

identified, inter alia, specific action to be taken in the plan’s seven focus areas (i.e. police and security; justice, rule of law and human rights; democratic governance; socio-economic de-velopment; Mission support and logistics; training for Timorese staff; and impact on the local economy) until the completion of the UNMIT mandate, on the basis of Government priorities. In addition, the working groups identified what support current-ly provided by UNMIT would be needed beyond the anticipated end of its mandate, and pos-sible arrangements for handover to State institutions, bilateral and multilateral partners, the United Nations country team or other entities.

At its meeting on 19 September 2011, the High-level Commit-tee approved the Joint Tran-sition Plan, which was then signed by President José Man-uel Ramos-Horta, Prime Min-ister Xanana Gusmão and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIT, Ms. Ameerah Haq. The Plan builds on the strong part-nership between Timor-Leste and the United Nations – a partnership that began with the country’s struggle for self-determination and the historic popular consultation in 1999,

and continued with UN support as the Timorese people worked to consolidate peace and secu-rity and build strong and effec-tive national institutions.

To optimize efforts during the remaining period ahead, UNMIT will continue to focus, in each of its mandated areas, on the priority needs and activities identified jointly with the Gov-ernment in the context of the Joint Transition Plan, which is being regularly reviewed in light of ongoing developments.

In order to enhance the skills of its national staff so that they have greater employment pros-pects after the Mission’s with-drawal, UNMIT is implementing a multi-phase capacity-building programme providing training to more than 900 national staff. Some of these training activi-ties have also been extended to staff in Government or other national institutions.

In the meantime, consulta-tions between the Government, the United Nations and other key international and national stakeholders are continuing on the various options for a United Nations presence in Timor-Leste following UNMIT’s departure.

To suppot future employment, UNMIT is training more than 900 national staff

6 2


Successes and challenges in a year of transition

Despite serious challenges, in-cluding the attack in Mazar-i-Sharif, the United Nations As-sistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) contributed to cre-ating a political environment conducive to strengthening the Afghanistan Government.

Key developments over 2011 included the 17 July start of the transfer of security respon-sibility to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Gradu-ally, ANSF will take charge of protecting a number of provinc-es, including Bamyan, Parwan, Balkh, Herat, and Samangan and parts of Nangahar, Kabul, and Helmand, among others. By the end of 2011, 51 per cent of the population should be under

the protection of the Afghan police and army.

On 26 January 2011, the newly elected Wolesi Jirga, or Lower House of Parliament, was inau-gurated — four months after the 2010 elections. Continu-ing disagreement over election results, however, impeded its work until a final resolution was agreed to on 8 October.

Combating violenceInsecurity remains the greatest challenge in the country, with Afghan civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the violence. Mid-year, UNAMA documented a 15 per cent increase in conflict-related civilian deaths compared

to the same period in 2010. This was mainly due to landmine-like improvised explosive devices.

“All civilian deaths and injuries, no matter what party is respon-sible, have tragic and lasting impacts on families and com-munities”, said Staffan de Mis-tura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Afghanistan from February 2010 to December 2011. “Civil-ians will only ‘win’ in Afghani-stan when civilian casualties decrease across the board”.

The violence also targeted high-ranking Government officials. The head of the High Peace Council, Burhanuddin Rabbani, was among those killed in the campaign of

UNAM

AAfghanistan

Staff at a UNAM

A ceremony in Kabul m

ourn seven colleagues killed in M

azar-i-Sharif on 1 April. Kabul, Afghanistan, 5 April 2011. (U

N Photo/Eric Kanalstein)

6 3


intimidation, casting a shadow over peace prospects with the Taliban and other insurgents.

In October, the UNAMA Human Rights Unit reported on the use of torture, which led to quick action by the Government, Na-tional Directorate of Security and the national police. In No-vember, it released a follow-up to the harmful traditional prac-tices report on the use of the

Elimination of Violence against Women Law, urging increased advocacy and monitoring by po-lice, prosecutors and judges.

Early in the year, the Government and the United Nations signed a Security Council-endorsed Action Plan for Children in Armed Con-flict, aimed at ending ANSF re-cruitment and use of children, as well as other violations, such as sexual violence, attacks against

schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.

Supporting development An ongoing drought prompted the revision on 2 October of the 2011 Consolidated Appeals Pro-cess (CAP), led by the UN Coun-try Team, to include $142 mil-lion for immediate assistance to affected people through Sep-tember 2012.

Strengthening provincial politics “The UN political mission has a history in Afghanistan. UNAMA played an extremely important role in laying the foundation of a government after 2001”, said Shekiba Shekib, the Secretary of the Balkh Provincial Coun-cil. “Afghanistan has an elected government, cabinet, parliament and provincial councils — all the essentials of a democratic system. None of that would have been possible with-out the UN political mission”.

The 39-year-old schoolteacher continued, “UNAMA is constantly in touch with us and has launched several projects to support transpar-ency and accountability, not only in Mazar-i-Sharif but across the country”.

UNAMA’s Governance Unit works with pro-vincial councils to identify gaps, liaise with donors and other stakeholders, such as the UNDP/Afghanistan Sub-national Governance Programme, and links councils with govern-ment and non-government counterparts, in-cluding civil society organizations and the Afghan citizens themselves.

“Women Face to Face with Elected Represen-tatives”, one of the main projects in the Jaw-zjan province, allowed female constituents to speak directly to council members and other local authorities.

Shekib said that she was optimistic that those efforts were helping Afghans feel that they “belonged” to their provincial councils.

“Six years ago people barely knew what the provincial council was, but now we are much closer to the people”.

Shekib also expressed condolences for the loss of UN staff members in the April attack in Ma-zar. “The murder of innocent UN staff mem-bers does not represent the people of Mazar-i Sharif”, she said.

Secretary of the Balkh Provincial Council Shekiba Shekib in her office. Mazar-i-Sharif,

Afghanistan, 29 November 2011. (U

NAMA/Sayed Barez)

6 4


To deliver simultaneous human-itarian and development sup-port, UNAMA and the UN Coun-try Team devised an Integrated Strategic Framework with the main priorities of dialogue and peace; protecting and promot-ing human rights; sub-national governance and the rule of law; maternal and newborn health; and sustainable livelihoods.

The National Priority Programmes also focused on these particular areas to bring tangible, sustain-able benefits to Afghans by in-vesting in their own institutions.

In October and again in No-vember, the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) added its weight by unanimous-ly endorsing nine new National Priority Programmes on socio-economic development, gover-nance and monitoring and pro-moting human rights. The JCMB is co-chaired by UNAMA and the Afghan Government with representation from all donors. In spite of the controversy sur-

rounding the Kabul Bank, Parlia-ment’s approval to provide capi-tal to the Central Bank, a central precondition for the approval of an International Monetary Fund programme, opened the door to fresh engagement with donors.

In November, an international meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, re-affirmed regional cooperation on security and economic de-velopment.

On 5 December, the Internation-al Conference on Afghanistan in Bonn, Germany, held under the theme “From Transition to Transformation”, was attended by some 100 countries and or-ganizations. The conference reaffirmed the United Nations’ crucial role in Afghanistan, as well as the international com-munity’s political commitment to assist the country through-out the transition period and beyond 2014.

For the United Nations, that commitment came at a per-

sonal cost last year with an at-tack on the UNAMA operations centre in Mazar-i-Sharif. On 1 April, three international UN staff were killed, as were four Nepalese guards who, holding their fire, were overwhelmed by the crowd. On 31 October, three staff members from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees were killed in Kandahar, along with two security guards.

At the helmJán Kubiš took over from Staf-fan de Mistura as SRSG for UNAMA at the end of 2011. At the request of the Government of Afghanistan, UNAMA’s man-dated activities and UN support in Afghanistan are currently under review by the UN Secu-rity Council.

UN staff continue successfully to undertake more ambitious plans, garnering praise from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for their “tireless efforts under very challenging conditions”.

Child Protection Advisor Dee Brillenburg Wurth and U

NAMA

National Spokeswom

an Nilab Mobarez at TABISH

, an NGO that provides psychosocial support to children traum

atized by conflict. Kabul, Afghanistan, 5 June 2011. (U

N Photo)

6 5


Implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism StrategyThroughout 2011, Central Asia continued to face endemic regional challenges of inter-national terrorism, drug traf-ficking, organized crime and en-vironmental degradation. With overarching links to religious extremism, drug trafficking and trans-national commerce in il-licit arms, terrorism has emerged as a dangerous threat to peace, democracy and development.

While Central Asia has been spared thus far from large-scale terrorist attacks, concern abounds that instability in neighbouring Af-ghanistan may influence extrem-ist groups and organized local crime networks to intensify their activities. Moreover, domestic political and economic grievanc-es have created fertile ground for home-grown extremists bolstered from abroad.

To support national authorities in addressing the threat of ter-rorism, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) has car-ried out a range of activities based on its three-year Pro-gramme of Action.

To create conditions that would prevent and eliminate terror-ism, the evolving nature of the threat is considered, as is the need to cooperate with rel-evant United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), regional orga-nizations and Central Asian au-thorities.

Joint Plan of ActionUNRCCA has been chosen to carry out a project of the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementa-tion Task Force (CTITF) and the

European Union (EU), which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Norway. The project aims to help the region-al countries devise a coopera-tive and comprehensive Joint Plan of Action for Central Asia.

The Joint Plan of Action and the Final Declaration support-ing it were endorsed on 30 No-vember by a high-level meeting in Ashgabat. Representatives of Central Asian States, Russia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Chi-na, India, Iran, Norway, Paki-stan, Turkey, the United States and senior UN and EU officials participated.

The plan is the first regional approach addressing terrorism through the Counter-Terrorism strategy and strengthened in-ternational partnerships.

UNRC

CACentral Asia

High-level m

eeting endorsing the regional partnerships plan to address terrorist threats. Ashgabat, Turkm

enistan, 30 Novem

ber 2011. (UN Photo)

6 6


The Four PillarsBased on recommendations from three expert meetings, some 60 specialists represent-ing relevant regional stake-holders held discussions on the different pillars of the Counter-Terrorism strategy.

In December 2010, a meeting on conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism (Pillar I) and measures to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism (Pillar IV) were discussed in Bratislava.

From 29 to 30 March, measures that states should undertake to prevent and combat terror-ism (Pillar II) were discussed in Dushanbe, and states’ capac-ity-building measures to pre-vent and combat terrorism and strengthen the UN system role (Pillar III) were scrutinized in Almaty, Kazakhstan in July.

The expert meetings were unique in that they brought to-gether a broad range of stake-holders across countries and organizations, while opening up a counter-terrorism dialogue at the national level involving tra-ditional actors, such as national security and prosecutors’ offices as well as Government officials on issues of religion, ethnicity, human rights and development, and financial monitoring.

Challenges discussedA number of challenges were raised during the meetings.

They included: latent conflicts, drug trafficking, socio-economic grievances emanating from so-cial exclusion, inequalities and marginalization, human rights violations, poor governance and tension between and within re-ligious groups. Consequently, the region is fertile ground for radi-calization that could manifest as political extremism, religious fundamentalism or terrorism. External factors, namely instabil-ity in Afghanistan and increas-ing threats in the tribal borders of Pakistan, also impact on the spread of terrorism in the region.

Needs assessedWhile Central Asian states have ratified most of the internation-al anti-terrorism instruments, support is still necessary to implement the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

Discussions revealed the need for national capacity-building in revising relevant legisla-tive frameworks, implementing technical control and monitor-ing mechanisms, combating ter-rorist internet use, preventing terrorism financing, improving cooperation to combat illicit trafficking in chemical, bio-logical, radiological and nuclear

weapons and materials, as well as strengthening the positive roles of media, the education system and civil society in fight-ing terrorism.

Overall, the project led to new dialogues across regional gov-ernments and institutions with ripple effects for cooperation in Central Asia. It also yielded a broad consensus among re-gional stakeholders that com-prehensive and long-term mea-sures were needed to effectively battle terrorism.

A meeting with regional or-ganizations is planned for the spring of 2012 to discuss the Joint Plan of Action and fol-low-up activities.

UNRCCA and UNCTs on the ground place their counter-terrorism actions within the broader framework of overall UN efforts promoting peace, security, sustainable develop-ment, human rights and the rule of law. For example, the UN peacebuilding strategy in Kyrgyzstan is implemented through a series of projects aimed at preventing a relapse into violence and promoting the rule of law and stability, which are core terrorism-pre-vention conditions.

Moreover, UNRCCA’s role in pro-viding political guidance for preventing, settling and stem-ming conflicts from spreading across borders contributes to the overall objective of peace, stability and security in Cen-tral Asia.

The project led to new regional dialogues with ripple effects for coopera-tion in Central Asia

6 7


Rising from the rubbleWhile Haiti’s 2010 earthquake was a catastrophic event, it did not fundamentally alter the coun-try’s path to stability and devel-opment or the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti’s (MINUSTAH) strategic outlook.

The earthquake did, however, prove the mission’s ability to fol-low one of Dag Hammarskjöld’s principles: “Never look down to test the ground before tak-ing your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road”. MINUSTAH never lost sight of a navigation point on the hori-zon, though it was obscured be-hind heaps of rubble stretching across Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, and other major cities. A three-year consolidation plan, which the Security Council had approved in 2008 to set the Mis-sion on the path of withdrawal,

was put on hold as a temporary surge effort became necessary to swiftly address emerging threats to security and political stability.

MINUSTAH marked the start of 2011 with new offices in prefab-ricated modules built in its for-mer logistics base. The site had become the nerve center after the Christopher Hotel headquar-ters was destroyed by the earth-quake that claimed the lives of 102 UN colleagues.

A revised mission organization table, sketched on a worn-out flipchart, was stuck on the wall of an improvised office for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General after the earthquake. It was a tell-ing reminder of the fast-paced environment in which policy planning decisions for the surge were taken.

Adding another dimension of complexity, the surge was ex-pected to be sufficiently large but reasonably brief—lasting approximately two years—to ensure that the increased num-bers of peacekeepers would not become counterproductive to the UN’s efforts to help the Hai-tian Government and National Police assume responsibility for security in the country.

Meanwhile, the streets of Port-au-Prince and other major cit-ies became the scene of many protests against alleged fraud in the first round of presidential and legislative elections held in November 2010. After a wrench-ing electoral process that lasted until April 2011, the first peace-ful transition from one demo-cratically elected president to another transpired. However, a nearly five-month political crisis

MINU

STAH

HaitiH

aiti Presidental election winner M

ichel Martelly greets jubilant

crowds in the capital. Port-au-Prince, H

aiti, 5 April 2011. (U

N Photo/Logan Abassi)

6 8


ensued over the appointment of a Government.

It was an early sign of the dif-ficulties ahead for the new administration to build con-sensus in a divided Parliament on national priorities such as reconstruction, rule of law, se-curity sector reform (notably the development of the Haitian National Police), elections and constitutional reforms.

Against this volatile backdrop, a spreading cholera epidemic added new challenges to on-going recovery efforts. A plan announced by the new Haitian President Michel Martelly to create a second security force brought back memories of the former Haitian Armed Forces, which was disbanded in 1995 after years of military interfer-ence in politics.

Strategic prioritiesBalancing the need to deal with multiple crises and the

commitment to a short-term surge was a fine line to walk. To do so, the Mission pursued three strategic priorities.

Firstly, it focused its efforts toward facilitating a political agreement between the execu-tive and legislative branches on a concrete agenda in critical ar-eas, such as security, rule of law, recovery, development, electoral and constitutional reform.

Secondly, effort was made to build sustainable national ca-pacity to maintain the rule of law, protect human rights and organize elections with even less external assistance.

Lastly, the Secretary-General recommended a partial draw-down of MINUSTAH’s military and police capabilities by mid-2012, leading to the Security Council’s decision in October to reduce the force’s strength to the pre-earthquake levels. The Secretary-General also recommended a reconfigura-

tion of the force so as to with-draw troops from four regions deemed to be at a lower risk of instability. After nearly eight years of military deployment in all of Haiti’s 10 departments, this move was a reflection of the radically changed condi-tions since 2004. Meanwhile, plans were being developed to draw down, by July 2012, most of the civilian capacities authorized by the General As-sembly to meet the immediate needs of the mission after the earthquake.

If the situation in Haiti remains stable, this partial withdrawal of military, police and civil-ian surge capacities will be the first step towards reconfiguring the mission, and a precursor to phase out MINUSTAH’s presence in low-risk departments, where security conditions would allow State institutions to exercise their responsibilities for the maintenance of stability and security without the mission’s operational support.

MINUSTAH

helps disenfranchised wom

en across Port au Prince. Cite Solei, Haiti, 17 August 2011. (UN Photo/Logan Abassi)

6 9


“Peacing” the island togetherAs articulated by the Secretary-General, a comprehensive set-tlement to reunite Cyprus on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation would help un-leash the island’s considerable potential and capacity, making it a stronger and more prosper-ous home for all of its citizens.In 2011, the Cyprus peace talks registered some progress in achieving convergence on out-standing core issues. The Secre-tary-General met with Greek Cy-priot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Derviş Eroğlu several times throughout the year.

They agreed to enhance the United Nations role and to move in the second half of the year to an intensified phase. While con-siderable advances were made in some areas, including gover-nance and power-sharing, the economy and internal aspects of security, less was achieved on property, territory and citi-zenship matters.

From 30 to 31 October, both sides and the Secretary-General met in Greentree, New York, where they assessed negotia-tion results and their proxim-ity to a solution. Although some encouraging progress was made, much remains to be done. Nevertheless, both lead-ers affirmed their belief that a settlement was within reach. Their stated conviction led the Secretary-General to ask

the leaders for a January 2012 meeting, again in Greentree.

The buffer zoneAs the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UN-FICYP) continued to maintain the integrity and stability of the buffer zone, the total num-ber of military violations de-

creased. Cooperation between UNFICYP and the two opposing forces remained good, reflect-ing a positive working relation-ship with the respective chains of command.

Civilian activities benefiting both communities, including farming, housing construction and commercial ventures, con-

UNFIC

YPCyprus

UNFICYP peacekeepers m

onitoring the Maritim

e Security Line. Famagusta, Cyprus, 8 Decem

ber 2011. (U

N Photo/Rastislav Ochotnicky)

7 0


tinued steadily. Additionally, UNFICYP routinely helped to provide basic services and main-tenance of essential infrastruc-ture, such as roads, waterways and electricity supply.

Serving the populationContinuing to address the day-to-day issues of the people, the mission has encouraged both communities to develop a long-term care plan for their aging populations. On a weekly basis, it delivers humanitarian assistance to 351 Greek Cypri-ots and 126 Maronites residing in the north, also assisting in their health care. Additionally, UNFICYP facilitates the deliv-ery of school textbooks and ap-pointment of teachers for Greek Cypriot schools in the Karpas peninsula.

For Turkish Cypriots living in the south, UNFICYP assisted lo-

cal authorities and community representatives to provide wel-fare services, including housing, social support and medical care for those in need. The mission also monitored and liaised with local educational authorities to meet the needs of Turkish Cy-priots residing in the Limassol-Paphos area.

Despite a limited number of personnel, UNFICYP police con-tinued to escort regular convoys of Turkish Cypriot civilians and humanitarian supplies through the buffer zone to Kokkina/Erenköy, as part of the 2010 agreement reached between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cy-priot leaders.

Facilitating negotiationsIn addition to its peacekeeping role, UNFICYP provides substan-tive and logistical assistance to negotiations between the Greek

and Turkish Cypriot leaders. It has facilitated meetings of bi-communal technical commit-tees, working groups and other expert groups discussing mat-ters of common concern. To this end, UNFICYP designated politi-cal and civil affairs staff to act as facilitators.

In May, the Home for Coopera-tion (H4C) in the UN-patrolled buffer zone in Nicosia opened its doors to researchers, edu-cators, historians, artists and others from both communities, providing a space to exchange ideas, share knowledge and dis-cuss issues of common concern. Lisa M. Buttenheim, who serves both as UNFICYP Chief and Deputy Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for the Cyprus peace talks, said the H4C “will help Cypriots develop different perspectives, which is an essen-tial element of a lasting peace and stability in Cyprus”.

UNFICYP peacekeepers speak to a farm

er in the Buffer Zone. Trouli, Cyprus, 7 M

ay 2011. (UN Photo/Rastislav Ochotnicky)

7 1


A new, multi-ethnic government in placeThe United Nations Interim Ad-ministration in Kosovo (UNMIK) began its 12th year marked by a series of political crises in Koso-vo, following the elections held at the end of 2010. Due to vot-ing irregularities, elections were repeated in six of Kosovo’s 36 municipalities.

By the end of February 2011, a new, multi-ethnic Government was formed, led by a coalition between two Kosovo Albanian parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR). The Gov-ernment has 19 ministers, three of whom are Kosovo Serbs. Ad-ditionally, the deputy ministers include three Serbs and eight from “Other Communities”.

In March, President Behgjet Pacolli’s Assembly election was deemed unconstitutional by domestic mechanisms, forcing him to step down. Following a United States-brokered compro-mise between the Government

and the opposition, Ms. Artifete Jahjaga was elected as the new President and two ad hoc Com-mittees—composed of repre-sentatives from all Assembly caucuses—commenced working on an agreed electoral reform.

March also saw the start of the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, welcomed by Gen-eral Assembly resolution 298 (A/RES/64/298) in September 2010 and facilitated by the European Union (EU). The aim of the dialogue is to promote cooperation, achieve progress on the path to the EU and im-prove the lives of people in the region.

Northern KosovoThe second part of the year was overshadowed by developments in northern Kosovo. In July, the Kosovo authorities attempted to deploy special police units to the two authorized cross-ings in northern Kosovo (gates

1 and 31), claiming to enforce an embargo against Serbian imports—as a ‘reciprocal mea-sure’, given that Serbia had not admitted goods originating in Kosovo since 2008—and to es-tablish the rule of law.

The attempt was not coordinat-ed with the international pres-ence on the ground. Reacting to Pristina’s actions, northern Kosovo Serbs erected roadblocks along the routes leading to the gates, and on all other major roads in the north, halting free-dom of movement in the area. Serb demonstrators torched fa-cilities at gate 1.

In early August, the Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander medi-ated a “common understanding” between Belgrade and Pristina and took control of the two authorized border crossings, easing tensions. At a dialogue session in Brussels in early Sep-tember, Serbia agreed to recog-nize Kosovo customs stamps,

UNMI

KKosovo

UNM

IK peacekeepers inspecting bypass roads in northern Kosovo. Kosovo, 15 October 2011. (U

N Photo/Olivier Salgado)

7 2


thereby enabling the resump-tion of mutual trade flows.

Thereafter, the Kosovo authori-ties announced that they would establish full customs controls at the authorized crossings. Howev-er, the local Kosovo Serbs pledged to resist this move, perceived as an attempt by Pristina to extend its authority in northern Kosovo.

When, in mid-September, Pris-tina, together with KFOR and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), established an observer presence at the gates, northern Kosovo Serbs reacted again with roadblocks and con-structed bypass roads, enabling free transportation to and from central Serbia. Throughout the autumn, KFOR skirmished with local Kosovo Serb protesters while trying to guarantee free movement for itself and EULEX. These events contributed to a deterioration in security and a polarization between the Kosovo Serb community and the Pristina institutions. The IBM Agreed Con-

clusions, an agreement reached in Brussels on 2 December be-tween Pristina and Belgrade on the integrated management of the crossings, is expected to provide a way forward for the im-passe at the gates, leading to a de-escalation of tensions.

A considerable presenceThroughout 2011, UNMIK contin-ued to promote security, stabil-ity and respect for human rights by engaging with all communi-ties, the authorities in Pristina and Belgrade and regional and international actors. Operating under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), UNMIK continued to implement its mandate in a status-neutral manner along-side EULEX, which, deployed in Kosovo since 2008, is under the United Nations’ overall authority.

Following the developments in northern Kosovo, UNMIK actively urged all parties at different lev-els to exercise restraint and take necessary measures to prevent any further violence. It empha-

sized the importance of dialogue to find viable solutions to dis-putes and outstanding issues. UNMIK acted as an impartial mediator and was perceived as such by all stakeholders. UNMIK facilitated the establishment of weekly coordination meetings with northern Kosovo Serb rep-resentatives, KFOR, EULEX and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Another key aspect of UNMIK’s work in 2011 was continuing to facilitate participation by the Kosovo authorities in regional multilateral mechanisms. Al-though the Kosovo authorities utilize the mission’s facilitating role on a case-by-case basis, overall, the value of a prag-matic approach has been noted. Hence, UNMIK continues to pro-vide assistance and to propose practical ways to overcome po-litical obstacles. As of 1 December 2011, 85 of the 193 United Nations Member States had recognized Kosovo as an independent State.

One of many roadblocks erected by Kosovo Serbs along m

a-jor roads in the north of Kosovo. Kosovo, 5 October 2011. (U

N Photo/Olivier Salgado)

7 3


Gender statistics: ratio of women in UN peacekeeping operations

Civilian staff (as of 31 October 2011) Uniformed personnel (as of 31 December 2011)

International staff

29.5%

Military experts3.7%

Individual police15.3%

Local staff17.4%

Troops2.7%

Formed Police Units

6.0%

Total female civilian staff — 21.0% Total female uniformed personnel — 3.8%

UN peacekeeping operations: breakdown by categories of staff (as of 31 December 2011)

Uniformed personnel 98,639

Troops 82,377

Police 14,300

Military observers 1,962

Civilian personnel 18,362*

International civilian personnel 5,553*

Local civilian personnel 12,809*

UN Volunteers 2,347

Total number of personnel serving in 15 peacekeeping operations as of 31 December 2011: 119,348

*Civilian figures valid as of 31 October 2011.

82.6%69.0%12.0%

1.6%

15.4%

4.7%10.7%

2.0%

asdf

UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

As of 31 December 2011Peacekeeping operations since 1948……….................................................................................………66Current peacekeeping operations……………………..........................................................................…..15Current peace operations directed and supported by the Dept. of Peacekeeping Operations ....................…….16

* Numbers include 15 peacekeeping operations only. Statistics for UNAMA, a special political mission directed and supported by DPKO, can be found at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/documents/ppbm.pdf

** This figure includes the total number of uniformed and civilian personnel serving in 15 peacekeeping operations and one DPKO-led special political mission – UNAMA

*** Includes fatalities for all UN peace operations

PERSONNELUniformed personnel (82,377 troops, 14,300 police and 1,962 military observers) ................................98,639Countries contributing uniformed personnel ........................................................................................114International civilian personnel (31 October 2011).............................................................................5,553Local civilian personnel (31 October 2011)......................................................................................12,809 UNV Volunteers............................................................................................................................2,347Total number of personnel serving in 15 peacekeeping operations ....................................................119,348Total number of personnel serving in 16 DPKO-led peace operations .................................................121,591Total number of fatalities in peace operations since 1948 ..................................................................2,966

FINANCIAL ASPECTSApproved resources for the period from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012..............................About US$7.84 billionEstimated total cost of operations from 1948 to 30 June 2010..........................................About US$69 billion Outstanding contributions to peacekeeping.......................................................................About US$2.63 billion

*

***

*****

7 4

CURRENT PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

UNTSO Since May 1948 United Nations Truce Supervision Organization Strength: military observer 150; international civilian 101; local civilian 132; total personnel 383 Fatalities: 50Appropriation 2010-11: $60.70 million

UNMOGIP Since January 1949 United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan Strength: military observer 39; international civilian 25; local civilian 51; total personnel 115Fatalities: 11 Appropriation 2010-11: $16.15 million

UNFICYP Since March 1964 United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Strength: troop 872; police 69; international civilian 38; local civilian 112; total personnel 1,091Fatalities: 180 Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $58.20million

UNDOF Since June 1974 United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Strength: troop 1,043; international civilian 41; local civilian 103; total personnel 1,187 Fatalities: 43 Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $50.53 million

UNIFIL Since March 1978 United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Strength: troop 12,017 international civilian 353; local civilian 666; total personnel 13,036Fatalities: 293 Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $545.47 million

MINURSO Since April 1991 United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara Strength: military observer 195; troop 27; police 6; international civilian 102; local civilian 165; UN volunteer 19; total personnel 514Fatalities: 15 Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $63.22 million

UNMIK Since June 1999 United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo Strength: military observer 9; police 7; international civilian 150; local civilian 215; UN volunteer 26; total personnel 407Fatalities: 54Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $44.91 million

MONUSCO Since July 2010 United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Strength: military observer 703; troop 16,854; police 1,371; international civilian 976; local civilian 2,865; UN volunteer 614; total personnel 23,383Fatalities: 33 Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $1,489.39 million

UNMIL Since September 2003 United Nations Mission in Liberia Strength: military observer 131; troop 7,778; police 1,297; international civilian 477; local civilian 991; UN volunteer 255; total personnel 10,929Fatalities: 164 Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $525.61 million

UNOCI Since April 2004 United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire Strength: military observer 197; troop 9,416; police 1,386; international civilian 397 ; local civilian 743; UN volunteer 276; total personnel 12,415Fatalities: 89Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $645.96 million

MINUSTAH Since June 2004 United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Strength: troop 8,065; police 3,546; international civilian 568; local civilian 1,355; UN volunteer 236; total personnel 13,770Fatalities: 168Commitment authority 07/11–06/12: $793.52 million

UNMIT Since August 2006United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-LesteStrength: military observer 33; police 1,183; international civilian 394; local civilian 883; UN volunteer 211; total personnel 2,704Fatalities: 12Approved budget 07/11–06/12 $196.08 million

UNAMID Since July 2007African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in DarfurStrength: military observer 262; troop 17,778; police 4,950; international civilian 1,124; local civilian 2,904; UN volunteer 483; total personnel 27,501Fatalities: 104Approved budget 07/11–06/12 $1,689.31 million

UNISFA Since June 2011United Nations Interim Security Force for AbyeiStrength: military observer 74; troop 3,724; international civilian 20; local civilian N/A; total personnel 3,818Fatalities: 5Commitment authority 07/11–06/12 $175.50 million

UNMISS Since July 2011United Nations Mission in the Republic of South SudanStrength: military observer 169; troop 4,803; police 485; international civilian 697; local civilian 1,117; UN volunteer 226; total personnel 7,497Fatalities: 1Approved budget 07/11–06/12: $722.13 million

Mission ended in 2011:

UNMIS 24 March 2005 – 9 July 2011 United Nations Mission in Sudan

UNTSO and UNMOGIP are funded from the United Nations regular biennial budget. Costs to the United Nations of the other current operations are financed from their own separate accounts on the basis of legally binding assessments on all Member States. For these missions, budget figures are for one year (07/11--06/12) unless otherwise specified. For informa-tion on United Nations political missions, see DPI/2166/Rev.102 also available on the web at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/documents/ppbm.pdf

7 5

7 6

U n i t e d N a t i o n s P e a c e O p e ra t i o n sasdfNUMBER OF MISSIONS .........................................................................................................13

PERSONNEL Uniformed personnel ........................................................................................................................386International civilian personnel (31 October 2011) ............................................................................1,184Local civilian personnel (31 October 2011) ......................................................................................2,612UNV Volunteers ..............................................................................................................................102Total number of personnel serving in political and peacebuilding missions ............................................4,284

For information on United Nations peacekeeping operations, see DPI/1634 Rev.128 or visit the United Nations website athttp://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/documents/bnote010101.pdf

UNITED NATIONS POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING MISSIONS

As of 31 December 2011

7 6

7 7


CURRENT POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING MISSIONS

* Political or peacebuilding mission directed and supported by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. All other political and peacebuilding missions are directed by the Department of Political Affairs. For information on political and peacebuilding missions, visit the United Nations website at http://www.un.org/Depts/dpa/

UNPOS Since 15 April 1995United Nations Political Office for SomaliaSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Augustine Mahiga (Tanzania)Strength: international civilian 57; local civilian 30, military advisers 3, police 0

UNSCO Since 1 October 1999Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle EastSpecial Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority: Robert H. Serry (Netherlands)Strength: international civilian 33; local civilian 29

UNOWA Since 29 November 2001Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West AfricaSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Said Djinnit (Algeria)Strength: international civilian 19; local civilian 16; military advisers 3

UNAMA* Since 28 March 2002United Nations Assistance Mission in AfghanistanSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General:Staffan de Mistura (Sweden)Strength: international civilian 421; local civilian 1,730; military advisers 13; police 2; UNV volunteer 77

UNAMI Since 14 August 2003United Nations Assistance Mission for IraqSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq: Martin Kobler (Germany)Strength (staff based in Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait): international civilian 391; local civilian 502; troop 353 ; military advisers 8; police 4

UNSCOL Since 16 February 2007Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for LebanonSpecial Coordinator for Lebanon: Derek Plumbly (United Kingdom)Strength: international civilian 19; local civilian 59

UNRCCA Since 10 December 2007United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central AsiaSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Miroslav JenČa (Slovakia)Strength: international civilian 8; local civilian 21

UNIPSIL Since 1 October 2008United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra LeoneExecutive Representative of the Secretary-General: Michael von der Schulenburg (Germany)Strength: international civilian 37; local civilian 29; UNV volunteer 7; police 5

BINUCA Since 1 January 2010United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African RepublicSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Margaret Vogt (Nigeria)Strength: international civilian 66; local civilian 75; military advisers 2; UNV volunteer 6; police 2

UNIOGBIS Since 1 January 2010United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-BissauSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Joseph Mutaboba (Rwanda)Strength: international civilian 55; local civilian 51; military advisers 2; police 14; UNV volunteer 6

BNUB Since 1 January 2011United Nations Office in BurundiSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Karin Landgren (Sweden)Strength: international civilian 50; local civilian 65; military advisers 1; police 1; UNV volunteer 6

UNOCA Since 1 January 2011United Nations Regional Office for Central AfricaSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Abou Moussa (Chad)Strength: international civilian 14; local civilian 5; military advisers 1

UNSMIL Since 16 September 2011United Nations Support Mission in LibyaSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General: Ian Martin (United Kingdom)Strength: International civilian 14; local N/A; police 1

Mission ended in 2011:

UNMIN 23 January 2007 – 15 January 2011 United Nations Mission in Nepal

7 7

LIST OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS 1948 – 2011

Acronym Mission name Start Date End Date

UNTSO United Nations Truce Supervision Organization May 1948 Present

UNMOGIP United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan January 1949 Present

UNEF I First United Nations Emergency Force November 1956 June 1967

UNOGIL United Nations Observation Group in Lebanon June 1958 December 1958

ONUC United Nations Operation in the Congo July 1960 June 1964

UNSF United Nations Security Force in West New Guinea October 1962 April 1963

UNYOM United Nations Yemen Observation Mission July 1963 September 1964

UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus March 1964 Present

DOMREP Mission of the Representative of the Secretary-General in the Dominican Republic

May 1965 October 1966

UNIPOM United Nations India-Pakistan Observation Mission September 1965 March 1966

UNEF II Second United Nations Emergency Force October 1973 July 1979

UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force June 1974 Present

UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon March 1978 Present

UNGOMAP United Nations Good Offices Mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan May 1988 March 1990

UNIIMOG United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group August 1988 February 1991

UNAVEM I United Nations Angola Verification Mission I January 1989 June 1991

UNTAG United Nations Transition Assistance Group April 1989 March 1990

ONUCA United Nations Observer Group in Central America November 1989 January 1992

UNIKOM United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission April 1991 October 2003

MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara April 1991 present

UNAVEM II United Nations Angola Verification Mission II June 1991 February 1995

ONUSAL United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador July 1991 April 1995

UNAMIC United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia October 1991 March 1992

UNPROFOR United Nations Protection Force February 1992 March 1995

UNTAC United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia March 1992 September 1993

UNOSOM I United Nations Operation in Somalia I April 1992 March 1993

ONUMOZ United Nations Operation in Mozambique December 1992 December 1994

UNOSOM II United Nations Operation in Somalia II March 1993 March 1995

UNOMUR United Nations Observer Mission Uganda-Rwanda June 1993 September 1994

UNOMIG United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia August 1993 June 2009

UNOMIL United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia September 1993 September 1997

UNMIH United Nations Mission in Haiti September 1993 June 1996

UNAMIR United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda October 1993 March 1996

UNASOG United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group May 1994 June 1994


7 8

Acronym Mission name Start Date End Date

UNMOT United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan December 1994 May 2000

UNAVEM III United Nations Angola Verification Mission III February 1995 June 1997

UNCRO United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia May 1995 January 1996

UNPREDEP United Nations Preventive Deployment Force March 1995 February 1999

UNMIBH United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina December 1995 December 2002

UNTAES United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium

January 1996 January 1998

UNMOP United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka January 1996 December 2002

UNSMIH United Nations Support Mission in Haiti July 1996 July 1997

MINUGUA United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala January 1997 May 1997

MONUA United Nations Observer Mission in Angola June 1997 February 1999

UNTMIH United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti August 1997 December 1997

MIPONUH United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti December 1997 March 2000

UN Civilian Police Support Group January 1998 October 1998

MINURCA United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic April 1998 February 2000

UNOMSIL United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone July 1998 October 1999

UNMIK United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo June 1999 Present

UNAMSIL United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone October 1999 December 2005

UNTAET United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor October 1999 May 2002

MONUC United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

November 1999 June 2010

UNMEE United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea July 2000 July 2008

UNMISET United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor May 2002 May 2005

UNMIL United Nations Mission in Liberia September 2003 Present

UNOCI United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire April 2004 Present

MINUSTAH United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti June 2004 Present

ONUB United Nations Operation in Burundi June 2004 December 2006

UNMIS United Nations Mission in the Sudan March 2005 July 2011

UNMIT United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste August 2006 Present

UNAMID African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur July 2007 Present

MINURCAT United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad September 2007 December 2010

MONUSCO United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

July 2010 Present

UNISFA United Nations Organization Interim Security Force for Abyei June 2011 Present

UNMISS United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan July 2011 Present


7 9

1 Argentina 31 6 1,002 1,0392 Australia 73 22 9 1043 Austria 9 536 5454 Bangladesh 2,084 77 8,233 10,3945 Belarus 3 36 Belgium 1 6 123 1307 Benin 113 25 883 1,0218 Bolivia 13 209 2229 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 5 3010 Brazil 18 29 2,446 2,49311 Brunei 30 3012 Bulgaria 2 213 Burkina Faso 246 17 801 1,06414 Burundi 85 2 8715 Cambodia 2 220 22216 Cameroon 116 8 12417 Canada 152 21 17 19018 Central African Republic 40 4019 Chad 68 3 1 7220 Chile 14 4 520 53821 China 71 40 1,813 1,92422 Colombia 35 3523 Cote d'Ivoire 153 15324 Croatia 12 16 100 12825 Cyprus 2 226 Czech Republic 5 5 1027 Denmark 19 2 2128 Djibouti 36 2 3829 DR Congo 30 3030 Ecuador 11 68 7931 Egypt 430 80 3,573 4,08332 El Salvador 34 10 52 9633 Estonia 2 234 Ethiopia 9 99 6,116 6,22435 Fiji 49 6 320 37536 Finland 19 2 2137 France 53 21 1,317 1,39138 Gambia 210 5 199 41439 Germany 15 7 236 25840 Ghana 346 52 2,591 2,98941 Greece 50 5042 Grenada 2 243 Guatemala 20 292 31244 Guinea 47 6 5345 Honduras 12 1246 Hungary 7 81 8847 India 1,039 79 6,997 8,11548 Indonesia 155 26 1,800 1,98149 Iran 2 250 Ireland 18 20 455 49351 Italy 5 17 1,086 1,10852 Jamaica 19 1953 Japan 2 258 26054 Jordan 1,976 49 2,038 4,06355 Kenya 30 31 773 83456 Kyrgyzstan 15 5 2057 Lithuania 2 2

58 Macedonia, FYROM 1 159 Madagascar 57 5760 Malawi 2 25 856 88361 Malaysia 251 40 896 1,18762 Mali 84 31 11563 Moldova 8 864 Mongolia 8 70 7865 Montenegro 4 2 666 Morocco 5 1,574 1,57967 Mozambique 1 168 Namibia 58 14 5 7769 Nepal 735 53 2,809 3,59770 Netherlands 1 12 1 1471 New Zealand 5 13 1 1972 Niger 186 25 934 1,14573 Nigeria 726 75 4,948 5,74974 Norway 23 22 5 5075 Pakistan 875 95 8,446 9,41676 Palau 1 177 Papua New Guinea 1 178 Paraguay 29 179 20879 Peru 14 373 38780 Phillipines 273 14 621 90881 Poland 3 14 1782 Portugal 184 5 143 33283 Qatar 3 384 Republic of Korea 4 17 613 63485 Romania 31 34 6586 Russia 17 68 125 21087 Rwanda 418 13 3,234 3,66588 Samoa 5 589 Senegal 743 45 1,551 2,33990 Serbia 10 9 61 8091 Sierra Leone 259 10 139 40892 Singapore 10 2 1293 Slovakia 3 159 16294 Slovenia 3 14 1795 South Africa 58 20 1,989 2,06796 Spain 31 2 1,069 1,10297 Sri Lanka 86 11 1,111 1,20898 Sweden 30 21 1 5299 Switzerland 4 16 2 22100 Tajikistan 11 11101 Tanzania 131 17 1,047 1,195102 Thailand 20 10 822 852103 Timor - Leste 1 1104 Togo 148 17 526 691105 Tunisia 38 2 40106 Turkey 152 1 352 505107 Uganda 30 6 1 37108 Ukraine 72 23 277 372109 United Kingdom 5 274 279110 United States of America 106 7 13 126111 Uruguay 12 50 2,208 2,270112 Yemen 239 55 9 303113 Zambia 263 44 9 316114 Zimbabwe 83 9 2 94

No. Country Police MEM Troops Total No. Country Police MEM Troops Total

POLICE MEM TROOP14,303 1,984 82,729Totals Grand total in PKO 99,016

PEACEKEEPING CONTRIBUTORS (Police, Military Experts on Mission and Troops as of 31 December 2011)*

*Including uniformed personnel in UN political missions in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Burundi (BNUB) and Iraq (UNAMI).

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

1991

-Jan

1992

-Jan

1993

-Jan

1994

-Jan

1996

-Jan

1997

-Jan

1998

-Jan

1999

-Jan

2001

-Jan

2002

-Jan

2003

-Jan

2004

-Jan

2006

-Jan

2007

-Jan

2008

-Jan

2009

-Jan

2010

-Jan

2011

-Jan

2012

-Jan

1995

-Jan

2000

-Jan

2005

-Jan

Jul 1993: 78,444 (Largest missions: UNPROFOR, UNOSOM, UNTAC)

Nov 2001: 47,778 (UNAMSIL, UNTAET)

Oct 2006: 80,976 (MONUC, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNIFIL)

Mar 2010: 101,939(MONUC, UNAMID, UNIFIL)

Dec 2011: 98,639(UNAMID, MONUSCO,

UNIFIL)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

United States27.14%

Japan12.53%

United Kingdom8.15%Germany8.02%

France7.55%

Italy5.00%

China3.93%

Canada3.21%Spain3.18%

Republic of Korea2.26%

Percentage of assesed contributions

Top 10 contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations (2011 averages)

Surge in uniformed UN peacekeeping personnel from 1991 to 2011

Top 10 providers of assessed financial contributions to UN peacekeeping operations (2010–2012)

Bangladesh: 10,549 (10.7%)

Others: 40,673 (41.1%)

Pakistan: 10,057 (10.2%)

India: 8,403 (8.5%)

Nigeria: 5,742 (5.8%)

Egypt: 4,885 (4.9%)

Nepal: 4,289 (4.3%)

Jordan: 4,020 (4.1%)

Rwanda: 3,806 (3.9%)Ethiopia: 3,493 (3.5%)

Ghana: 2,952 (3.0%)

Produced by the Peace and Security Section of the United Nations Department of Public Information

For information on UN peacekeeping visit: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/

Printed at the United Nations, New YorkDPI/2579/Rev1.—11-65752—March 2012—8,000

USD 10ISBN 978-92-1-137036-2

Documents

Year in Review - aaptc.asia€¦ · UNAMID organizes disarmament, demobilization and reintegra-tion outreach activities. North Darfur, Sudan, 25 July 2011. (UN Photo/Albert Gonzalez